India vs England 1st test match preview, Prediction XI
Two teams filled with confidence will be fighting for a spot in WTC finals against New Zealand. Both India and England have had impressive results prior to this series. India will be looking to go all out especially after a series win in Australia.
England too fared well against Sri Lanka but now their opposition is a lot better. India, having home advantage can be called as the favorites by a thin margin.
Key players for India
Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma and Hardik Pandya will be back in action. With Joe Root hitting form at the right time, the experience of this pace duo will come in handy for India. Axar Patel would be eyeing to fill the void of Jadeja. Though, it feels like Sundar will play ahead of him after his recent outings. It would be interesting to see the bowling combination of India. It is highly likely that they would go with 2 pacers – 3 spinners considering Indian conditions. The top 6 Indian batsmen look rock solid. England needs to have a perfect plan to get past them or a huge total is always on the cards.
Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer returning in the squad will be a boost for England.
The pace department will be led by 38 years old James Anderson. He has caused troubles for the Indian batsmen in the past and will be looking to continue it. The spin department looks quite inexperienced with Jack Leach and Dominic Bess.
Although, they can find their hands in these Indian pitches. It is to be noted that England is also the last touring side which won a test series in India, but way back in 2013. They would be eyeing to improve that record. Whereas, on the other hand, India will be looking to continue its dominance at home.
Here are last 5 Test matches average scores of all 4 Test Innings:
- 1st Innings Average Score – 376 runs
- 2nd Innings Average Score – 473.4 runs
- 3rd Innings Average Score – 218 runs
- 4th Innings Average Score – 87.4 runs
The battle for a lone spot in WTC finals will start on 5 th Feb, 2021, 9:30 AM (IST) at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
India vs England 1st test match preview, Prediction XI
INDIA : Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (WK), Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma.
ENGLAND : Dom Sibley, Rory Burns, Joe Root(C), Ben Stokes, Daniel Lawrence, Jos Buttler (WK), Moeen Ali, Dom Bess, Jack Leach, Jofra Archer, James Anderson.
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