Ind vs Eng Test series: 3 things Virat Kohli’s Team India will have to worry about against in-form Joe Root’s England -Virat Kohli’s team India is set to host England in a crucial 4-Tests series (Feb 5-March 8) that will decide the fate of India’s chances of playing in the WTC finals.
India comes on the back of a superb and historic Test series win after beating Australia in their own backyard. On the other hand, England will be brimming with confidence after a 2-0 whitewash of Sri Lanka in red-ball cricket.
The Three Lions set up has looked extremely tight in every department, with the batsmen showing impetus while the bowlers have delivered the goods whenever required.
However, with an injury laden side with the likes of Jadeja, Mohammed Shami missing out, India can face an uphill task against Joe Root’s men. Let’s take a look at the top 3 concerns that can prove heavy for the Men in Blue in the upcoming series.
Ind vs Eng Test series: Joe Root’s flamboyant form
Heralded as one of the ‘Fab 4’ batsmen in the world, England skipper Joe Root has been in flamboyant form in the subcontinent of late.
The 30-year-old slammed a match-winning 228 in the opening Test against Sri Lanka. He followed it up with another scinitllating knock of 186 in the second Test and in the process scripted history by becoming England’s fourth-highest run-scorer in Tests.
With his deft stroke play and a rich repertoire of strokes up his kitty, Joe Root can be a formidable force to tackle for Virat Kohli’s men if given a chance to settle in.
Ind vs Eng Test series:James Anderson’s impeccable record in the subcontinent makes him a real threat
James Anderson’s undying hunger for wickets and ability to excel in all conditions make him a genuine threat.
Anderson, who is the only pacer to reach the 600-wickets milestone in Test matches, also claimed a six-for at Galle during the second Test between England and Sri Lanka on Saturday.
England were the last side to beat India in a Test series on Indian soil. Alastair Cook’s strong England side had won in India in 2012-13. James Anderson was one of the stars from that tour alongside the spin duo of Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar.
Having toured India four times, James Anderson has 26 wickets from 10 Tests in the nation at 33.46. The 38-year-old has an impressive record in Asia with 66 wickets at an average of 29
Ind vs Eng Test series: England’s spin duo of Leach-Bess can play spoilsport
England spin duo of Jack Leach and Dominic Bess gave a sheer testament of their prowess as the pair spun a web around Lankan batters to share 8 wickets between them in the second Test to ensure a whitewash for the Three Lions.
However, with the pitches in India being relatively flatter, Jack Leach can prove to be a threat with his straight deliveries, pitching in the middle and hitting onto the stumps, Alongside Dom Bess, who is well adept with the bat, the Men in Blue will need to be wary of England’s young spin duo to avoid any unnecessary hazards.
The last time England toured India, the performance of the spinners was the major difference although India romped to a 4-0 win in the five-Test series.
While the Indian spinners took 68 wickets at an average of 30.35, their English counterparts took 40 at 48.1.