If you are an English fan and your team tours India then Mumbai is the place to be in! In recent times England have enjoyed success at Wankhede more than any other overseas ground. From World Cup semi-final in “87 to beating India in 2006 and 2012, chasing down 229 in T20WC against South Africa, Wankhede has been home away from home for Barmy Army. Ever wondered what makes Mumbai so special for England? Here are the possible reasons…

1) Red Soil Pitch

Red soil pitch at Wankhede gives bowlers extra bounce to work with. England players find it far more comfortable playing on pitches that have bit of extra bounce than slow and low pitches like Vizag. Also extra bounce bring shots like Cuts, Pulls into equation which England batsmen are good at.

2) Ability to play spin

Whenever England have toured India there has always been a fair degree of debate about their ability to play spin. But time and time again, they have proved that they play spin better than anyone else in the world. In 2012 encounter, England outclassed India in playing spin with magnificent hundreds from Cook and KP.

3) Attacking instinct and resolute defence

English batsmen have shown great defense and yet have the mindset to take the attack to the opposition. It is pretty evident from the innings that Pietersen played in 2012 when he scored 186 off 233 balls. No foreign team in India has succeeded by relying only on attack. It has to be a combination of both which England have managed exceedingly well.

4) Crowd Support

Barmy Army have always turned up at Wankhede whenever England have played. Crowd Support plays a huge role in any sport to boost up player”s performances.

5) Psychological factor

If you have enjoyed success at a particular ground in the past you always feel good coming there again. That is what England experience when they come to Wankhede.

– by Atharva Apte