Michael Atherton suggested England rest James Anderson and Mark Wood for the fourth Test against India, starting on February 23 in Ranchi.
Ahead of the Ranchi Test, the former England captain stressed the importance of protecting Wood and Anderson for the final Test in Dharamsala.
England faced a crushing defeat in the third Test in Rajkot, where the Ben Stokes-led touring team suffered a massive loss by 434 runs after their 106-run defeat in the second Test against India.
Notably, Anderson was looking ineffective in India's second innings in Rajkot, where the senior pacer conceded 78 runs with an economy rate of 7. Anderson was struck for three consecutive sixes for the first time in his Test career by young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.
On the other hand, Wood emerged as England's standout bowler, delivering 38 overs across four days of play in the Rajkot Test. Anderson took one wicket, and Wood snared four wickets in the third Test.
Michael Atherton said on Sky Sports: “We've seen a lot of Ollie Robinson, who has great skill and great control. He'll give the control that Anderson gives, whereas Atkinson gives that freshness. Both will be raring to go.”
Atherton signed off by saying, “My instincts would say they'll freshen up the bowling, that they may bring in Robinson for Anderson and may think about Atkinson for Wood.”
India are currently 2-1 ahead in the Test series and will hope to continue their momentum in Ranchi. The team will hope to seal the Test series before the final Test match in Dharamsala.
