Former England captain Michael Atherton boldly predicts India’s triumph in the upcoming five-match Test series on home soil, citing the unparalleled prowess of India’s spin quartet.
India’s Spin Dominance
In a recent statement to Sky Sports, Atherton asserted, “I think India will win. Their spinners are better than England’s, and that will be the defining thing in the end.” With India boasting a formidable quartet of spin maestros – Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav – Atherton highlights the potential game-changing role of spin in the Indian subcontinent.
India’s Impressive Home Record
India’s home dominance in Test cricket is noteworthy, having secured victory in 16 consecutive Test series since their 2-1 loss to England in 2012. Notable triumphs include 4-0 and 3-1 wins over England in 2016-17 and 2020-21, respectively.
Spin Wizards: Ashwin and Axar’s Formidable Track Record
Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel’s stellar performance in the previous Test series against England cannot be overlooked. With 32 and 27 wickets respectively in the 2020-21 series, they played pivotal roles in India’s 3-1 victory. Ashwin, with 88 wickets in 19 Tests against England, inches closer to the monumental 500 Test wickets milestone.
England’s Spin Conundrum
While acknowledging England’s competent left-arm spinner Jack Leach, Atherton expresses concern over the inexperience of the remaining spinners. He notes, “England have a solid left-arm spinner in Jack Leach and then three very inexperienced spinners after that with Tom Hartley, Shoaib Bashir, and Rehan Ahmed.”
Jack Leach’s Performance
Jack Leach, who bagged 18 wickets in four Tests during England’s last series in India, emerges as a key asset. His consistency with the ball will be crucial in the upcoming series.
Unproven Talents: Hartley, Bashir, and Ahmed
In contrast, the trio of Tom Hartley, Shoaib Bashir, and Rehan Ahmed are yet to make their Test debut. While Ahmed displayed promise with seven wickets in one Test against Pakistan in 2022-23, their collective experience remains a point of concern for England.
The Test Series Schedule
The much-anticipated series kicks off at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on January 25. Subsequent matches are scheduled at ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Vizag, Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot, JSCA Cricket Stadium Complex in Ranchi, and culminate at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on March 11.
You can also check out India’s Ambition for a 5-0 Triumph Over England in Test Series.
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