In a series that has been decided by two close Tests in Birmingham and Southampton, England’s stronger all-round options in the middle order have made all the difference.
Both England and India have serious concerns with their top-order batting. But where Virat Kohli has anchored the Indian effort, with some backing from Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane and no big knocks from the rest of the line-up, England have found heroes lower down to cover up the wobbles at the top.
At Edgbaston, it was Sam Curran’s fifty from No.8; he did it again in the fourth Test at Ageas Bowl, following up his first-innings 78 with 46 in the second. Moeen Ali, their No.7 in the first innings, pitched in with 40, while they had Jos Buttler top-scoring with a valuable half-century in that spot in their next hit to set up the win. Not to forget Chris Woakes’ match-defining century from No.7 at Lord’s.
“It’s quite handy to have guys who can strike the ball well in those positions because you literally have nothing to lose and once you get a partnership going, it can get frustrating for the opposition,” he said. “When the lower order gets runs, you don’t likes seeing that.
“[England] have guys who are fearless down the order, they back their skills, they were braver in tough situations than us, they were more confident about what they wanted to do in tough situations, and that’s why they won this Test match.
“Those contributions lower down the order have been significant as far as this Test goes and the one Birmingham as well.”
England’s Sam Curran once again displayed his all-around brilliance as he notched up scores of 78 and 46 and claimed two wickets.
Kohli heaped praise on the 20-year-old and said that Curran has been a find of the series for the hosts.
“Would like to congratulate Sam Curran, nice find for England and he’s doing well,” Kohli said.
Kohli also said that he agrees with his rival captain Joe Root that the series has been competitive, so far. “Joe was saying, it might not look like it but it has been a competitive series,” Kohli said.
England, who have already sealed the series 3-1 will host India in the fifth Test and final at the Kennington Oval in London starting from September 7.
