With their backs to the wall after a 'double blow' last week when they were soundly thrashed by 266 runs in the third Test followed by ICC appointed Judicial Commissioner's verdict declaring Anderson 'not guilty', it will be redemption time for Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his boys as they hope to get their acts together at the Old Trafford.
Although the series is levelled 1-1, poor on-field performance and losig a battle off the field have left the team in a vulnerable state.
It would be helpful if they also draw some inspiration from the 2007-08 tour to Australia. It was the last time an Indian cricketer was involved in a fracas that involved 'Level 3 offence.
However, Dhoni will like to emulate erstwhile captain Anil Kumble, who had led from the front, not only making a dignified off-field stand but also marshalling his troops well on-field, leading the side to a memorable 72-run win at Perth.
In supporting Jadeja, even refusing to be placated by efforts of both the BCCI and the ECB, Dhoni has done the necessary bit off-the-field. Now he needs to get it right inside the boundary ropes, for that is what the series is all about.
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