The fourth Test between England and India got underway on Thursday with the hosts winning the toss and opting to bowl first at The Oval. The series is nicely poised at the moment with both the teams winning a game each and this Test match is extremely crucial. Apart from Ravi Ashwin not playing, team India players wearing black armbands also sought the attention of the fans.

The reason for the same is the demise of the former Mumbai cricketer and a renowned coach in the country Vasudeo Paranjape. He was aged 82 when he passed away in Mumbai last week on August 30 (Sunday) and a lot of current and former cricketers paid tribute to him on social media.

India is up against England for a five-match Test series and the fourth Test is in action today (September 02) at The Oval. A lot was being talked about ahead of this Test in reference to team combinations and fans eagerly waited for the XI that would step in the fourth Test. As soon as Toss was done, Indian skipper Virat Kohli opened up on the combination and Umesh Yadav and Shardul Thakur were fetched in the XI.

Both pacers replaced Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj from the XI as they developed a niggle, Kohli explained. However, the biggest talk was around ace spinner Ravi Ashwin making a cut in the XI, who has been warming benches in the series so far. It is expected that pitch at The Oval will start turning in second innings and hence Ashwin’s entry was very much on cards.

New Zealand batter Finn Allen, who had tested positive for Covid-19, has joined the team’s bio-bubble upon returning two negative tests, as he is now available to participate in the second T20I of the five-match series against Bangladesh.

The visitors suffered a humiliating defeat in the series-opener as they were bowled out for their joint-lowest T20I total after opting to bat first. Although the hosts took 15 overs to chase the paltry 61-run target, they ensured to end on the right side and start th.