With the high-voltage Test series between England and India on the horizon, cricket enthusiasts worldwide are abuzz with excitement and speculation about how the two cricketing giants will match up in this high-stakes contest. Both teams have rich histories, storied rivalries, and fiercely loyal fanbases, making this series one of the most awaited events on the cricket calendar.
Adding to the intrigue is the context surrounding the two sides. India, known for their dominance in the longest format of the game, recently faced a significant setback in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under, losing to Australia by a margin of 3-1. This series defeat has raised questions about the team’s form, particularly in overseas conditions, and has further fueled discussions about their readiness to take on England in their backyard.
Amid this backdrop, former England captains Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain have shared their expert opinions, offering valuable perspectives on the likely outcome of the series. Their analysis delves into the strengths, challenges, and key players that could shape the series, setting the stage for a riveting showdown between two of the world’s cricketing powerhouses.
Michael Atherton picks his favourites
Atherton expressed his confidence in England’s ability to win the series, citing their strong form and familiarity with home conditions. His confidence is rooted in England’s recent resurgence in Test cricket under the leadership of Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum. The aggressive “Bazball” approach, which emphasizes attacking cricket, has worked wonders for England, making them a dominant force, especially at home.
“I think England are favourites to beat India at home,” said Atherton at Sky Sports Podcast.
Also READ: Top 5 players with most runs for India in WTC 2023-25 cycle
Nasser Hussain provides his viewpoint
Hussain provided a more nuanced perspective, acknowledging England’s advantage at home while highlighting India’s potential to challenge them. He pointed out that India’s recent struggles, including their disappointing performances in the series against New Zealand and Australia, have exposed vulnerabilities in their squad. The team appears to be in transition, with senior batters nearing retirement and the younger players still finding their footing.
“I think England at home against India India are coming to that phase where some of their batters will be thinking about retirement it’ll be fascinating to see who they bring on that trip they’ll always be a strong side they they’ve had a poor few months with the New Zealand series at home and then this series in Australia but they have quality players depth of cricketers that will come through,” said Hussain.
However, Hussain didn’t discount India’s strengths, particularly their bowling attack. He singled out Mohammed Shami, who was absent during the Australian series, as a key player if he is fit and available for the England tour. He also highlighted that India’s pace attack, featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Shami, and Mohammed Siraj, could pose a significant threat to England’s batters in swinging conditions, making the contest far from one-sided.
“I thought they miss Shami (Mohammed Shami) in in Australia. Shami with those conditions and that ball. Shami in England if he can get himself fit to back up Bumrah (Jasprit Bumrah) and Siraj (Mohammed Siraj) that’ll be a seam attack to reckon with but I still think at home England will fancy their chances,” added Hussain.