England’s wicketkeeper-batsman Ben Foakes is confident that the visitors still have the chance to square the series, in which they are behind 1-2 after three Tests. The fourth Test between India and England will be played in Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera, Ahmedabad.
England has not been able to find a way to counter the Indian spinners who have routed them for scores of 134, 164, 112, and 81 on turning tracks since winning the opening match by 227 runs, thanks to Joe Root’s double ton in his 100th Test in Chennai.
Ben Foakes [Image Credit: BCCI]
We’ve Been Completely Outplayed The Last Two Games: Ben Foakes
Wicketkeeper Foakes admits Chennai and Ahmedabad threw up conditions he has never faced before but says England’s top order is capable of knuckling down and putting runs on the board.
“From playing on the last two pitches I’ve never seen turn like that. They almost feel like day five pitches from ball one. It’s understanding we are going to get out at times and it’s making peace with a certain way of getting out if it means we can score runs. We just have to grind out and try to put runs on the board. It’s not an easy thing to do obviously but I guess be solid and understand our game plan, and if we get out,” said Ben Foakes.
He further said that England has been completely outplayed in the last two Test matches, but still has the silver lining of the opportunity to return home with a drawn Test series.
“We’ve been completely outplayed the last two games but we’re still in a position to draw in India and we can put a good performance in and get a 2-2 draw that would be a really good achievement out here. That’s purely the focus, trying to get that 2-2,” added Foakes.
Not Looking To Displace Jos Buttler From Test Team Permanently: Ben Foakes
Jos Buttler (BCCI)
The Surrey keeper was lauded unanimously for his keeping behind the stumps on rank turners in Chennai and Ahmedabad, as he took over the glove duty from Jos Buttler, who returned home as part of the rotational policy of the England team. But Foakes insists he is not thinking of permanently displacing Buttler.
“No. Going into the tour it’s obvious Jos is going away for a rest to spend some time with his family for a bit. The way I’ve mentally approached the games is it’s three more opportunities to play for England and I’ll try and do as well as I can. If anything does come of it that’s amazing but I’m just trying not to look too far ahead and just enjoy the moment,” said Foakes.
The fourth Test match between India and England will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera, Ahmedabad from March 4 onwards. India needs to win or draw this Test match to qualify for the finals of the ICC WTC and face New Zealand at Lord’s, England on June 18.
