India arrived in England after a successful campaign in West Indies, where I thought they should have done better than just winning the series 1-0. We at least deserved a 2-0 score line. But that is a different discussion and frankly with the second string team visiting WI, I really did not pay much attention to the series. I think the boards ought to put some conditions in the contracts which will force the countries to send their best teams on tour.
Coming back to England, I think the two teams playing in English conditions are pretty evenly matched. The English team is very balanced and almost copies the famous Australian team composition; five batters, a wicket-keeper who comes and scores fast, a spinner and four fast bowlers. Their batting lineup is very daunting with Cook, Trott and Bell in sublime form. Add Strauss, KP and Prior to that trio and you can expect some mauling of the bowling attack. Indian team is back to full strength and the selectors have done a good job with the team given that Kohli and Badrinath wasted their opportunities in the Caribbean. The famous batting lineup is in full strength although there are some doubts about Sehwag’s participation in the first two games. The bowling relies heavily on Zaheer and Harbhajan, but here is where the new gen has its opportunities. Ishant did well in the Caribbean and should be effective in England too. Munaf and Ashwin can be good back up options. Bhajji needs to start taking wickets again. So there is an even contest on the cards.
My prediction for this series is India winning with a margin of 1 test. Either a 1-0 or 2-1 result in favour of India.
Coming back to England, I think the two teams playing in English conditions are pretty evenly matched. The English team is very balanced and almost copies the famous Australian team composition; five batters, a wicket-keeper who comes and scores fast, a spinner and four fast bowlers. Their batting lineup is very daunting with Cook, Trott and Bell in sublime form. Add Strauss, KP and Prior to that trio and you can expect some mauling of the bowling attack. Indian team is back to full strength and the selectors have done a good job with the team given that Kohli and Badrinath wasted their opportunities in the Caribbean. The famous batting lineup is in full strength although there are some doubts about Sehwag’s participation in the first two games. The bowling relies heavily on Zaheer and Harbhajan, but here is where the new gen has its opportunities. Ishant did well in the Caribbean and should be effective in England too. Munaf and Ashwin can be good back up options. Bhajji needs to start taking wickets again. So there is an even contest on the cards.
My prediction for this series is India winning with a margin of 1 test. Either a 1-0 or 2-1 result in favour of India.
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