England's Concerns Over Ranchi Pitch and Bowling Strategy Ahead of Third Test

The English are already thinking about the field at the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi.

The England vice captain, Ollie Pope, believes the wicket is already "platey" and has several fractures in it.

"It seems like a compelling pitch. It's really platey, full of cracks, and they've just soaked it, which usually dries it out. We've discovered that it crusts the top layer if you moisten it and leave it in the sun. Pope said on Wednesday that "it doesn't necessarily look like a belting wicket at the moment."

Pope observed, "It appears that one half is solid and the other has a lot of platey cracks." Right now, it seems as if the right-hander is batting from the far end since there is tough ground outside of his off-stump. For instance, Ashwin may like to bowl it into the rough, therefore he would bowl from that end from over-the-wicket.

Additionally, it is outside the left-hander's off-stump from this end. That's the current way we perceive things. After the Indian team has examined the wicket tomorrow (Thursday), I believe we will wait and watch before making a judgment.

With Ollie Robinson expected to make his tour debut, England are thinking about reverting to their one specialist pacer strategy. Ben Stokes, who has returned to his position as a seam-bowling all-rounder, will provide him with assistance.

Robinson's last competitive encounter was in July at Headingley, where he made his previous Test debut against Australia. It could imply that England will rest James Anderson and Mark Wood, with Stokes covering for the second seamer.

Before batting against the outdoor nets on Wednesday, Stokes bowled for almost twenty minutes on one of the side pitches.

Pope said, "There's definitely a chance." We will see. Stokes did not confirm it in the locker room either. Today, on Wednesday, he took the batters by bowling. We'll see his pull-up, and if it's excellent, maybe we'll see him holding the ball.

"To be honest, I believe it's fairly difficult to get the ball out of his hand while he's running. However, I'll talk to him before the game to find out if he needs anything of that kind from me.

"You have to believe the doctor counsel and trust his ideas if he is fully confident in his knee. I can be a resource for him if he needs any advice on the pitch.

Stokes has amassed 197 wickets at a 32.07 average.

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