India face England in the first of the five-match Test series in England at Trent Bridge starting from August 4. The series also kickstarts the second cycle of the World Test Championship. India head into the series after spending an ample amount of time understanding the condition and even playing a practice game. The hosts, on the other hand lost a Test series to the Kiwis ahead of the WTC final. Thus a lot is at stake as the two teams start their age-old rivalry at a venue that has been India’s lucky charm. More about the first Test preview in detail below.
England vs India 2021, 1st Test Preview
India
Trent Bridge has been a happy hunting ground for India. It was at this venue that Rahul Dravid’s team won a Test series in England back in 2007. In 2018, Hardik Pandya’s heroics with the ball helped India get their only win in the last Test series in England. The team would ideally consider themselves having the edge at this venue. The Indian team is spoilt for choices even with a few of their players being ruled out. Shubman Gill and Washington Sundar who were part of Team India’s journey in the first WTC cycle is missing from this series. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara form the core of this batting line-up with KL Rahul finding form in the warm-up game. Rishabh Pant brings that X-factor to the side and lengthens the batting line-up.
With the ball, the team have options too. Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah are likely to be the first two pacers in the line-up. There might be selection issues in choosing the third pacer with Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur as options. It will be also interesting to see if India opts for two spinners or one.
England
England have been hit by a few concerns ahead of the first Test. They will be missing Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer from the series. England skipper Joe Root in his press conference said that he wants the best for his friend Stokes and the whole team management is beside him at this time.
Despite the absence of key players England have a well-rounded squad to choose and pick players from. Many of them played in the Test series against India in India earlier this year.
James Anderson will be leading the attack with the ball. He will resume his rivalry with Virat Kohli, something which the fans from both teams is looking forward to seeing. The 39-year-old has also quashed reports of his retirement saying that he is bowling the best of his life and not thinking about retirement as of now.
Head To Head: England vs India
Overall
- Total: 126
- India won: 48
- England won: 29
- Drawn: 49
In England
- Total: 62
- England won: 34
- India won: 7
- Drawn: 21
Pitch Report
There was a lot of grass on the pitch when the first picture of the pitch went viral. Meanwhile, local boy Stuart Broad has said that the pitch has good bounce and carry and are among the best pitches in the country. The weather is expected to be a cause of concern. The first day is expected to be cloudy with rain expected from day 2 to 5.
Team News
With Ben Stokes ruled out, England might have issues in finding the right balance to their XI. Stokes’ absence could also mean that England opts for an extra batsman and leaves Jack Leach out. Or else can play five bowlers with Leach included.
India have lost players ahead of the first Test. However, their covers have been called for giving India enough options to choose from. KL Rahul is expected to open in the first Test. India have fielded five bowlers in each of their last five Test matches and the same could be followed in the first Test as well. Shardul Thakur is likely to be the third pacer given his batting credentials.
Squads
England
Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Zak Crawley, Joe Root(c), Jonny Bairstow, Daniel Lawrence, Jos Buttler(w), Ollie Robinson, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Craig Overton, Sam Curran, Jack Leach, Dominic Bess, Ollie Pope, Haseeb Hameed
India
Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, Wriddhiman Saha, Umesh Yadav, Hanuma Vihari, Abhimanyu Easwaran
Also Read: ENG vs IND 2021: “Shardul Thakur Is Already A Multi-Dimensional Cricketer” – Virat Kohli
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