India has taken a lead 2-0 lead in the 5-Test series against England. They have the added motivation of knowing that wins in the remaining 2 Tests means that they will further cement their position as the number one team in Test rankings and they can also make it only the 2nd time that they have won 4 Tests in a series in Test cricket. There are 4 days to go for the 4th Test and here are 4 reasons why the Test could prove to be a humdinger.

Parthiv can stake his claim for a permanent berth in the Indian Test side.

Parthiv Patel made a memorable comeback to the Indian team after 8 years. He took 4 catches and effected 1 stumping. He also shone with the bat scoring 42 in the 1st innings and 67 not out off just 54 balls in the 2nd innings. While the Chairman of selectors and the captain have said that Saha is the first choice keeper for Tests, Parthiv has done his chances no harm at all with a commanding performance. If he puts in another superlative performance in Mumbai, he can seal the second wicket-keeper’s slot when India tour overseas. Moreover, with KL Rahul being injured, another good knock from Parthiv means that he can be considered as a back-up opener if the need arises in future.

Exuberance of the Wankhede crowd.

The Wankhede stadium is the home ground of the Mumbai Indians. It has a capacity of 35,000 and has hosted some close and spectator riveting matches both in the IPL and in the international arena. Most sportsmen will tell you that encouragement from the crowd and a carnival type atmosphere helps them lift their performance. The Wankhede crowd has always been a very knowledgeable one and appreciate good cricket. They are not totally partisan and even appreciate good cricket from the opposition. Jos Buttler plays for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL and while the crowd will want India to win, they will also applaud a good performance from him.

India’s opening bowlers are bowling serious quick spells.

India’s blue print for winning matches at home in the past has always been to prepare turning pitches and let their spinners run riot or prepare flat decks where they can pile up huge scores and let the scoreboard pressure tell on the opposition. However, this is one of the few times in India’s Test history where their opening bowlers are genuinely fast and are of better pedigree than the opposition. Mohammed’s Shami’s spell to Chris Woakes where he struck him in the helmet and then dismissed him with a snorter next ball must have delighted many Indian fans who used to see their team on the receiving end in the past. The Wankhede is one of the few grounds in India where there is help for the fast bowlers if they bend their backs. Hopefully, Shami and Umesh Yadav can replicate their hostile spells in the series.

India can continue their unbeaten run in Tests.

India are unbeaten in their last 16 Tests out of which they have won 12 and drawn 4. The most number of Tests that India have had an unbeaten streak is 17. If they avoid defeat in the next 2 Tests, then they will set a new Indian record of 18. Plus they have lost their last 3 Test series against England. So they have the added motivation of setting a record and also gaining revenge for their last 3 series losses against England.

The Test match at Wankhede promises to be exciting for a multitude of reasons and there are many reasons why the spectators at the ground and fans on television are in for a treat.