Thoughts on the Fourth Test

No doubt the papers will castigate England for this comprehensive defeat. My mind goes back to 2017 in Mumbai and watching the bedraggled Barmy Army making their way along the coastal pavement after India and Ravi Ashwin had spun us out.

I had expected another 4-0 defeat in this series.

India have a world class talent in keeper Rishabt Pant whose century in the first innings swung the game irretrievably to them and whose stumping of Ollie Pope showed he was not just a batsman who could keep wicket.

Young Axar Patel looks like continuing that illustrious spinning line of Bishen Bedi, Harbinjer Singh and Ravi Ashwin.

Unfortunately the supremacy of India comes with triumphalism. It reminds me of the West Indies in their pomp.

Their commentators boasted immediately after victory that India are in the Test Final to compete against New Zealand.

It might have been appropriate to deduct a few points for the disintegration of the wicket in the Third Test.

The English selectors did not cover themselves in glory.

The decision to play just the two pace bowlers placed a heavy burden on James Anderson and  Ben Stokes in unforgiving heat.

Dom Bess looks like joining that list of those whose Test career ends after a poor tour.

I remember in 2017 thinking the same of Zafar Ansari, Habeeb, Hameed  and Keaton Jennings.

Jonny Bairstow might have played his last game.

Joe Root averaged 50 but if he does not make a fist of the Ashes down under later this year his days as captain may be numbered.