London, Aug 3 (NationPress) Dinesh Karthik, the former wicketkeeper-batter of India, suggests that spin could become a crucial factor for the visitors on the fourth day of the fifth Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Test if the fast bowlers do not secure early wickets. With England needing 324 runs to fulfill a chase of 374 and clinch a 3-1 series win, India is aiming to remove the remaining batsmen for a challenging victory that would even the series at 2-2.

On day four, England will return to the field at 50/1 after Mohammed Siraj dismissed Zak Crawley on the final ball of day three. “India must replicate their approach from England's first innings and consistently bowl with pace - however, I believe spin will factor in. Will it be significant? It might become necessary if the fast bowlers don’t take early wickets, but ideally, the pacers should claim 60-70 percent of the wickets,” stated Karthik during a broadcast on Sky Sports.

“Seamers Deep and Siraj have pivotal roles ahead. Deep can seam the ball effectively and looks like he can secure wickets if he maintains the correct length and targets the eight-meter mark,” Karthik elaborated.

England has a history of chasing big scores in Tests – they successfully chased 378 against India at Edgbaston in 2022 and pursued 371 in the opening Test of this series at Headingley last month. “The pitch has ample grass, which could lead to quicker actions. If England gets close, it would surpass their efforts at Headingley. They must perform exceptionally well,” emphasized former India head coach Ravi Shastri.

If England succeeds in chasing down 374, it would mark their second-highest run chase in Tests and a record chase at The Oval. “I recall the run chase in Leeds at the beginning of the series and believed England could achieve it. This team seems to thrive on challenges; the greater the obstacle, the more they rise to the occasion,” said Shastri.

“With Crawley gone, Duckett loses an opening partner that he relies on, but England boasts four Surrey players in Pope, Smith, Overton, and Atkinson. Yet, does England have the mental strength to achieve this again after such an extensive series? They might be slightly slower in their responses,” added Mel Jones, a former Australian women’s cricketer.