Case Study: England vs India 1996

In 1996 England played India in a 3 match test series and won 1-0.

England used all rounders during this series but crucially they employed two in every test, using a 5-2-1-3 formation.

The first test, which England won, used Irani and Chris Lewis - plus Dominic Cork (who the press tried to turn into an all rounder) as a handy tail ender. 

This combination was used for the second test, which was a draw. Ealham replaced Irani for the third test, another draw.

While England's one-allrounder policy often seems to result in defeat, playing two all rounders works better.