The Indian Team is currently taking part in the first Test match against England at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad from 25th January 2024. Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly made a bold prediction about the India and England Test series.
It promises to be a thrilling encounter between India and England on the 4th day. England is currently 316 for 6 with a lead of 126 runs as Ollie Pope remained not out with 148. Foakes and Pope rescued the England innings putting on a brilliant partnership for the 6th wicket.
“India will win the series, the matter is whether they will win it 4-0 or 5-0. Every Test will be decisive. England could have won this Test match had they batted well. One cannot win against India by making 230 or 240 runs on Indian soil. Had they made 350 or 400, they could have beaten India, but they weren’t able to do that. It’s a tough series for England. Any team other than the Australia of that era could not create any impact here.”
England has been struggling for performances in the last two Test series in 2016-2017 as they lost 0-4 and then lost the test series by 1-3 during 2020-21. Under the captaincy of Alistair Cook, England became the only team to beat India in India during the 2012 series.
Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett provided flying start in the 2nd innings putting on 45 runs for the opening wicket. Duckett looked in great touch with sweeps and reverse sweeps that kept pressure on the Indian spinners. Duckett and Pope put on 68 runs for 2nd wicket before Bumrah produced a magical spell getting wickets of Duckett and Root in quick succession. Ravindra Jadeja then showed his class with another superb delivery to get rid of Bairstow.
R Ashwin produced another peach to get rid of Ben Stokes. Pope looked in sublime touch putting the pressure back on the Indian bowlers. Axar Patel eventually struck to dismiss Foakes. Pope and Rehan Ahmed are still at the crease hoping to stretch the lead and give a scare.
Great Chance of Winning T20 World Cup – Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly is hopeful that India will break the jinx of not winning any ICC trophy in the last 11 years. The Indian team has been clubbed with Pakistan, Ireland, United States of America, and Canada in Group A with the top two teams qualifying for the Super 8 stage.
“They deserve to play for India. It is also a good opportunity for youngsters to cash in. Yashasvi has played well and Subhman has to play well. There is a lot of competition for spots in the batting lineup. According to me, Yashasvi is an all-format player. Rishabh Pant is also a huge player when he comes after recovering from an injury. Shreyas Iyer, Pant, and Shubman Gill must adapt a lot,” he concluded.
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