The India team will begin its World Test Championship 2021-2023 campaign by playing a five-match test series against England.
The last time, India toured England for the Test series, they were beaten 4-1 by the hosts. For them to change their fortunes this time around, a lot will depend on the opening batsman. All eyes will be on the experienced Rohit Sharma, who averages 44.83 in seven matches played this year. However, former Australian spinner Brad Hogg feels Rohit will have a difficult time playing against the likes of Anderson and Broad.
In a Youtube video on Brad Hogg’s channel, he said that he will be surprised if the Indian opener has any big impact on the series.
“If we look at his stats when he (Rohit Sharma) is in India, he averages 79. He’s got seven hundred and six fifties on Indian soil. But when he goes away, he only averages 27. And he’s only had six fifties in those 39 innings away from Indian soil. Then we go to England, it even gets worse. He averages 24 there,” said Hogg
“I think he is going to have a few issues against the likes of Broad and Anderson, especially opening the batting against the Duke ball. I will be very surprised if he has a big impact in this series,” he added.
This series will define Rohit Sharma as a Test cricketer: Brad Hogg
Brad Hogg went on to add that England is probably the hardest place for an Indian batsman.
“We all know how good he (Rohit) is and this has been one of the kryptonite in his game at Test level, performing away from India. England probably for an Indian batsman, has the hardest conditions to adjust to. He has had plenty of time over there so if he is going to do it, it has got to be this time. I think this will define him as a Test cricketer,” Hogg signed off.
The five-match Test series against England kickstart from August 4 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.
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