India versus England as a rivalry in Test cricket goes back 92 years. It has been quite intense over the last decade or so, and England are the only team to have beaten India in India in the last 12 years. They may not be the best equipped side for conditions in the sub-continent, but make up for it with their preparation and homework.
This bunch led by Ben Stokes is also expected to test the home team. Although they did not spend a lot of time in India to get acclimatised to these conditions before the Test series, spending about 10 days in Dubai and practise specifically on spinning pitches is something that reminds one of 2012, when Alastair Cook’s men humbled MS Dhoni’s side in India. Let’s see what’s in store this time.
Spin ploy: Going by early indications, pitches for at least the first three Tests in Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam and Rajkot will assist spin. It’s been rather warm in Hyderabad, which means there is a high probability of the surface being dry and conducive for spin. England’s selection of three spinners in the XI — Jack Leach, Rehan Ahmed and Tom Hartley — clearly indicates this.
The problem for England might be the collective inexperience of the spin attack. Leach has played just two of his 35 Tests in India. Rehan has played just one Test in all and Hartley none. Chances are high that they are not versed with the nuances of bowling on such tracks. But they should be encouraged by the success of Australian spinners in India last year.
Axar likely as third spinner: Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are proven nemeses for visiting batters on these pitches. No doubt, the captain will rely heavily on them. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav are the contenders for the third spinner’s slot. Given that Axar has got the nod in India of late and his record against England, he looks the likely one.
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Farokh Engineer Exclusive Interview: England are never low on confidence, let’s see how Bazball does.
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Don’t rule out Indian pacers: Amid the emphasis on spin, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will also be important factors. At their pace, with their skills on pitches with uneven bounce, they can be dangerous. It’s early to say if England have missed a trick by naming just one specialist quick in their XI. Regardless of that, Bumrah and Siraj can be as deadly as the spinners on these tracks.
Biggest challenge for Bazball yet: Pressing the aggro button early on and not relenting has been a feature of England’s approach since Brendon McCullum took over as coach. It has paid dividends to an extent. But in India, this Bazball philosophy faces its sternest test. It’s something to hit the ball and keep hitting it when it’s not turning. Against spin, this is untested.
It won’t be surprising to see England adopt a comparatively conventional ploy. They are not naturally good players of spin. It’s their Plan B or Plan C and they don’t endorse it unless pressed. So they will be out of their comfort zone. It will require application and temperament of a different kind. So, don’t expect high scoring rates right at the beginning.
India could also be tested: Of course they will be. Pitches offering excessive turn can reduce the gap between the teams. Indian batters didn’t have a great time against Australia’s spinners at home last year, although the team won the four-match series 2-1. If the pitch becomes a lottery where luck becomes the decisive factor, it’s going to be anybody’s game.
Without Virat Kohli and playing a home series with no Cheteshwar Pujara in the XI after a long time, the batting line-up will be challenged. Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and, most probably, Shreyas Iyer will have to perform in roles they are not accustomed to. Conditions will be as challenging for India’s batters as England’s. India’s spinners are superior and that’s the biggest advantage the team has.
Also Read: IND vs ENG: Ahead of series opener, a statistical overview