India v England: Zak Crawley says winning final Test would cap ‘unbelievable’ winter

Victory over India in the final Test would cap an “unbelievable” winter for England, says opener Zak Crawley.

India thrashed England by 10 wickets inside two days in a low-scoring third Test last week.

“There’s definitely a way back. We’re only one game down,” said 23-year-old Crawley.

“We still have loads of confidence in our ability.

“It’s an unbelievable winter if we can pull off wins in four out of the six Tests.”

• More pitch talk in media than by players – Leach

England won the first Test by 227 runs before losing the second by 317, with both games played in Chennai.

They were bowled out for 112 and 81 in Ahmedabad as they failed to reach 200 for the fifth consecutive innings.

Although India collapsed to 145 all out on the second morning, they chased 49 to complete victory shortly into the final session.

“They’ve got great players in their side and they’ve struggled for runs as well,” said Crawley.

“It’s not like they’re scoring millions and we’re scoring none. It’s been a pretty low-scoring encounter, especially in the last game.”

Former England captain Michael Vaughan said England batted “like rabbits in headlights” after they were dismissed in 49 overs on the first day in Ahmedabad despite Crawley’s 53.

The Kent batsman was bowled first ball of the second innings by slow left-armer Axar Patel, who shared 18 wickets in the match with off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. They have a combined 42 wickets in the series.

Crawley suggested England may change their approach with the bat in the final Test.

“If the pitch looks like it’s going to be just as tricky and plays the same way, with one skidding and one turning, then perhaps we need to be a bit more proactive,” he said.

India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane said: “The wicket will be similar to the last two Test matches. It will be a spinning track.”

England captain Joe Root said he expects to have a full squad to select from despite some sickness among the touring party.

Several players and some coaching staff have been ill with stomach issues, but all the players was able to train on Tuesday.

Off-spinner Dom Bess is expected to be recalled after being overlooked for the previous two Tests.

“If the pitch looks anything like the last one, he’ll be licking his lips at the opportunity,” said Root. “Dom would be a fantastic option on this surface.

“You look at the side for the last match and we got that wrong. We didn’t envisage it would spin as much.”