4th Test: England edge closer to historic series win

Tourists hoping to play out day to avoid defeat to India today.

England face a testing last day of the final Test at Nagpur as they seek to win their first series-victory in India for 27 years.

The tourists wrapped up the fourth day with 161 runs, losing three wickets in the process. They currently lead by 165 runs and would need to prolong their batting today if they hope to secure a draw or an unlikely win to seal their victory in the series.

According to BBC Sports, England paceman James Anderson said that the first hour of the last day will determine whether or not the tourists will be able to clinch the series.

“There’s still a long way to go in the game,” said Anderson. “The first hour will be crucial. If we can get through that then hopefully we can build a couple of good partnerships and make sure the game is safe.”

On the other hand, Indian bowler Ravichandran Ashwin said he was confident that the home side can dismiss the remaining England batsmen early.

“We’re not trying to be too optimistic, but we have done it before in India,” said Ashwin. “We can take six or seven wickets in a session.”

“We have bowled well today. We are pushing for a win... nothing got out of hand and we just have to stick to it, try to see if we can squeeze in a couple of wickets early morning.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 17^th, 2012.