Butter-fingered Indians need to pull up socks

MANCHESTER: A sloppy India have plenty of problem areas to sort out as they go into the fourth cricket one-dayer against England here on Thursday, fully aware that another defeat could tilt the balance of the series heavily in favour of the hosts.

The Indians, trailing the seven-match series 1-2, have been a pale shadow of themselves and Rahul Dravid's men would need a huge slice of inspiration to restore parity in a series which has thoroughly exposed their fielding and bowling shortcomings.

Fielding has been the biggest worry for the Indians who have not only spilled catches but have also been pathetic in ground fielding and throwing. It is an area which needs drastic improvement if the visitors entertain hopes of winning the series.

Clearly, the tourists have their tasks cut out for the day-night encounter at the Old Trafford where the conditions would again suit the batsmen.

The Indians would also have to give a serious thought to their team composition and the batting order for the crucial game.

The team management has opted to go in with five specialist bowlers in the last two games but the strategy has not really paid dividends as England have managed to pile up big scores.

With no genuine all-rounder in the team, the five-bowler theory has weakened the batting considerably as was evident in the last match at Birmingham where India lost their last five wickets for just 29 runs.