Follow UsAll five matches of the five-match Test series between India and England have gone into the final day, including the fifth and final Test at The Oval. We are in for a nail-biting finish as India look to pick up four wickets on the final day of the series, while England need just 35 more runs.
However, former England batter David Lloyd believes the result could have been different if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were playing the series, as the big players know how to capitalise on the big moments.
"India have been very impressive over the series, but they haven’t won themain moments. If Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli were playing, I think the outcome would have been different. Certain players sniff out the main moments and are proactive rather than reactive. Ben Stokes is fabulous at that. India will be scratching their heads thinking how on earth they could lose this 3-1,” Lloyd wrote in his column, as per Indian Express.
England had lost three quick wickets on Day 4 at The Oval before the rains arrived, which Lloyd believes was perfect timing for the hosts.
“The break came at the right time for England because India were throwing the kitchen sink at it, and all of a sudden, the scoreboard stopped moving. India needs to be right on it because the ball is swinging. And just to add to the drama, the new ball is due in a few overs. Will India take it? What drama, what theatre,” said Lloyd.
India's only win in the series so far has been their historic 336-run win at Edgbaston in the second Test. They lost the first wicket at Hadingley by five wickets and fell short by 22 runs at Lord's before securing a draw in Manchester.