After three matches, India are 2-0 down and must win the final two games of the series to draw level. One match was rained out. But, given the form of the two sides, I am backing England to go 3-0 up.
Key Stats - England Lead Series
- England’s Phil Salt has scored 63, 34 & 70 in his last 4 knocks.
- England’s Jacob Bethell has scores of 74 & 76* in his last 4 innings.
- England’s Jofra Archer has taken 15 wickets in his last 5 innings.
- India’s Abhishek Sharma has scored 49, 59 & 43 in his last 5 matches.
- India’s Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has scores of 21, 38 & 94 in his last 5 innings.
- India’s Arshdeep Singh has figures of 2/28, 2/35 & 3/40 in his last 4 matches.
Head-to-Head
These two are level at 2-2 in their last five T20I matches. After three matches here, England lead 2-0 with one abandoned.
England Looking in Fine Form
England arrive in Bristol with a chance to seal the series with a match to spare. Since Harry Brook replaced Jos Buttler as captain last summer they have developed into a highly effective T20 side, winning 18 of their last 21 completed matches. Their recent form reads WWLWW and a series victory over India would be a significant statement for Brook and Brendon McCullum.
England are unlikely to change a winning combination after releasing James Coles and Rehan Ahmed for Blast duty. Phil Salt and Jos Buttler are set to open, followed by Brook, Jacob Bethell and Tom Banton. Sam Curran, Will Jacks and Liam Dawson provide all-round depth, while Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue complete the attack.
Dawson remains an interesting selection point. He has been strongly backed by Brook and is one of five players to feature consistently since last June, but his role has been limited against India’s left-hand-heavy lineup. With James Coles another left-arm spin option in the wider mix, Dawson will want to make a stronger impact if given the chance.
India Struggling for Momentum
India head into the Bristol clash under pressure after a heavy defeat left their recent T20I form at LLLLW. They have never lost a completed men’s T20I match at Bristol, winning all four previous games at the venue, but this squad has no survivors from the team that chased 199 there in 2018.
The batting order could be reconsidered after recent struggles, with Sanju Samson, Washington Sundar, Suryansh Shedge, Ravi Bishnoi and Prasidh Krishna all available in reserve. India may look to add another right-hander to break up their left-hand-heavy lineup, while Washington could provide extra security if the top order misfires again.
Shivam Dube is one player under the spotlight. He made 42 not out from 21 balls in the rained-off opener in Durham, but has since failed twice. At Trent Bridge, he had a difficult night in the field and was pushed down to No. 8 in the chase before falling to Josh Tongue’s pace and hard lengths. A strong innings in Bristol would remind India of his destructive value.
England vs India 4th T20I Predicted Lineups & Team news
The County Ground in Bristol usually offers a quick, bouncy surface with good carry. Short boundaries, generally between 60 and 70 metres, make scoring easier for batters. Seamers can find some sideways movement, but spinners are unlikely to get much assistance.
England (possible XI): Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Harry Brook (c), Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Josh Tongue.
India (possible XI): Abhishek Sharma, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Prince Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy.