IND-ENG TEST BATTLE PROMISES THRILLING ENCOUNTERS

In the midst of spectacular hitting, super over dramas, and the frenetic world of whiteball cricket, true cricket connoisseurs eagerly await the commencement of the India-England Test series. The English team are touring India after a gap of 3 years for a 5-match test series that will be a huge, almost decisive factor about who will move ahead to play in the World Test Championship (WTC) finals. While India has had the better of the English side over their past 2 series, both at home and away, they are yet to face them after their last years’ change of ‘Bazzball’ strategy.

The buzz surrounding the Test series is amplified by England’s aggressive batting style, consistently achieving run rates of six or more in Test matches. However, the real test for the English side lies in navigating the turning tracks and contending with spin maestros Ashwin and Jadeja, who expertly manipulate the ball on home surfaces, leaving most oppositions in disarray.

Interestingly, England is the last team to have won a Test series in India. But it was more than a decade ago in 2012, when Alistair Cook’s men had one up over an aging Indian lineup. India since then has produced exhilarating cricket beating all Test playing nations (barring Pakistan as they haven’t played a Test with them since 2007-08) and winning all 16 series! In the process Ravi Ashwin has become the second leading wicket taker for India with 490 wickets and his partner in crime, Ravindra Jadeja has neatly piled up 275 scalps.

The formidable Indian duo poses a significant threat to any visiting team, particularly England, known for their modest record against spin. While England’s current squad lacks world-class spin options, the combination of Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes has instilled confidence and an attacking mindset, leading them to win 13 of their last 19 Tests without a series loss.

The experience of James Anderson, England’s veteran pacer, becomes a focal point in this contest. Anderson, having weathered a challenging Ashes series, carries the responsibility of leading the bowling attack. His impressive record in India, particularly from the victorious 2012 tour, instills hope in England’s chances. However, the burden of expectations is not solely on Anderson, as key players like Joe Root and Ben Stokes bear the onerous responsibility of combating India’s formidable spin challenge.

In this challenging environment, England’s success heavily depends on key players like Joe Root and Ben Stokes, especially in tackling the fearsome and highly effective Indian spin attack. Being aggressive against spin is currently the suggested approach and Mantra. But that is easier said than done, as even legendary players have succumbed in effectively implementing this strategy earlier. The battle lies in disrupting the line and length of the spinners, taking the game to the opposition, and hoping England’s spinners can control India’s batting lineup which too has been found vulnerable against spin at times too.

Meanwhile, India has had a surprise pick in the wicket keeping department. While the world expected Ishan Kishan to be back in the team post his withdrawal from the South Africa Test series due to “personal reasons”, the selectors have given Dhruv Jurel a surprise call up to the national team. He will be the 3rd keeper in the side along with Srikar Bharat and KL Rahul.

The template for India is largely the same as has often been adopted in recent times. Bat strong and deep in the first innings and then tie the opposition down with their spinners. Fortunately, all Indian batsmen are in top form. Rohit has just scored an excellent century in the last T20 game against Afghanistan where he showed his class and underlined why he is indispensable for Team India in every format! Virat Kohli too had shown glimpses of brilliance in South Africa but would be keen to post some big scores and add a few more hundreds to his mounting tally.

As the anticipation builds for the upcoming India-England Test series, cricket enthusiasts are poised for a riveting clash between traditional prowess and contemporary flair. The battle between England’s aggressive batting style and India’s formidable spin duo promises to be a captivating spectacle. The timing of this encounter is impeccable, serving as the perfect prelude to the pulsating ‘tadka’ of the IPL and the T20 World Cup!

Whether you’re a purist cherishing the elegance of Test cricket or a T20 enthusiast craving explosive batting displays, the IndiaEngland series promises to cater to every cricket aficionado’s palate, making it a sporting spectacle not to be missed!

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Siddhaarth Mahan The writer is a specialist on Sports and Cinema who works as an actor in the Hindi film industry