India prepares to face the Bazball rhythms on a potentially flat Rajkot pitch

If the appearance of the surface is any indication, it could be a concern for India. However, Jadeja advises bowlers not to react to England's batting style.

Rawalpindi 2022 was a flat pitch, similar to Rajkot 2016. However, England 2022 was a vastly improved team compared to England 2016. They were now capable of scoring 921 runs in just 136.5 overs, at a run rate of well over a run a ball.  It is worth noting that a Test match, uninterrupted by weather, is expected to last for 450 overs. On the fifth evening, in the dying light, England's bowlers completed an era-defining win on one of the flattest pitches in history, thanks to the math of Bazball.

If the pitch in Rajkot 2024 is anything like the one in 2016, India may be concerned about England's potential for pulling off a Rawalpindi 2022.

This is particularly worrying from a bowling standpoint. Despite having a superior attack in terms of quality and experience compared to Pakistan's in Rawalpindi, the Indian team is still struggling to adapt to the challenge of Bazball. While Jasprit Bumrah has been exceptional, the spinners have yet to perform at their best in this series, starting the third Test with a worse collective average than England's spinners.

R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have experienced early setbacks in long series before, but they have always managed to reassert their dominance. This demonstrates their ability to bounce back and perform at their best. In 2016, they bowled India to a 4-0 series win after taking a combined 6 for 363 in the Rajkot draw.

They will likely succeed again due to their exceptional skills, but it will not be an easy feat. Ashwin and Jadeja are both in their mid-thirties, with Jadeja currently recovering from a hamstring injury. They will be facing a strong England line-up on a pitch that is expected to produce high scores.

Jadeja mentioned that the wicket is usually hard and flat, but its preparation can vary, sometimes resulting in 37 wickets in three matches. However, it is important to note that the behaviour of the wicket can vary from match to match. Upon examining the wicket, it appears to be in good condition and solid. It can be flat, turn, or play well initially before breaking and turning. In my opinion, this wicket will perform well at the start and gradually deteriorate.

As for Bazball's impact on this series, there is an argument to be made that it has been overstated. England have made totals of 246, 420, 253 and 292. If it were not for a once-in-a-lifetime innings from Ollie Pope, they could be 2-0 down. However, the series is currently tied at 1-1. Bazball's threat is amplified by the prospect of a flat surface.

During his press conference on Wednesday, Jadeja fielded questions about England's batting approach and how it affects his work as a spinner.

Maintaining a good, consistent line and length is crucial for success as a bowler. This simple truth holds regardless of the opposition's batting strategy. However, it can be challenging to put this knowledge into practice when the opposing team is taking risks and succeeding, even for experienced bowlers like Jadeja. Even if you maintain consistent lines and lengths, you may need to push fielders back to protect the boundary. This, in turn, increases the frequency of strike rotation, which can disrupt your rhythm.

The flatter the surface, the more likely this cycle will occur.

However, England's inexperienced spin attack will still have to bowl on the same surface. However, they will be bowling at one of the least experienced Indian line-ups in recent memory. The line-up is likely to feature Rajat Patidar and Sarfaraz Khan, who have only one previous Test cap between them, at No. 4 and No. 5 respectively. Additionally, Dhruv Jurel may potentially make his debut behind the stumps.

In both Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam, the Indian batters failed to shut England out of contests when they had the chance to do so, showing a lack of ruthlessness. If the pitch in Rajkot turns out to be a flat subcontinental surface where 500 isn't a safe first-innings total, the consequences of not being ruthless could be severe.

Jadeja downplayed the inexperience of Patidar and Sarfaraz, highlighting their significant body of work in red-ball cricket. They have had to wait a long time behind the successful, long-serving middle order of Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, and Ajinkya Rahane.

Together, they have scored 26 hundreds in 101 first-class games. Jadeja stated, 'The new players who have come in have played a lot of first-class cricket.' They are not inexperienced players who have been fast-tracked into the Test team after just one season. Rather, they are seasoned first-class players who possess the ability to play long innings and understand the nuances of Test cricket. This transition was inevitable and will occur sooner or later, whether it happens now or in the next two to five years.

It is beneficial that they are being allowed to play in their home conditions, which will help them settle into the Test team quickly. If they make their debut in Australia or South Africa, they may lack the confidence to perform. India is the ideal place for them as they have played a lot of cricket on these wickets and have a good understanding of what to expect. It is a good opportunity for them to perform well in this series.

They will hope they can, as the stage may be hostile - a high-scoring surface perfectly suited to Bazball's rhythms - and the stakes are immense.