In spite of their recent reverses, England would go on into the grueling five-match Test series against India as favourites. Remember, England have beaten India in the last two Test series’ played between the two sides, one at home, and one away. India’s dismal record away from home would give England further hope to get their sinking ship back on track. Since being thrashed 4-0 by England in England, India have gone on to suffer losses in Australia, South Africa and even against the relatively weak New Zealand side in Kiwi land.
Despite their recent reverses, if India want to seek inspiration to do well in England, they only need to look as far as Sri Lanka. True, it was only a two-Test series, but Sri Lanka still performed commendably well to clinch the close series 1-0. The Lankans managed to find a surprise hero in Dhammika Prasad, who bowled the side to a memorable win. The task for India would be much tougher since they would be playing a five-Test series. Also, the question is whether India can discover a Dhammika Prasad over the course of the series, who can play a major role in taking 20 wickets.
Going into the series, England would be extremely worried over the form of their skipper Alastair Cook. The England captain hasn’t got a big score for a while now, and the pressure is building on him with the team also going through a rough phase. It is imperative for India not to let Cook come out of the rut. Over the years, India’s bowlers have developed a tendency of allowing out-of-form players get their mojo back – be it Saeed Anwar or Shivnarine Chanderpaul back in the 90s or more recently Ricky Ponting.
India cannot allow Cook to get back among the runs for it would hurt them in a big way if that happens. The England captain’s affinity to play the huge knocks is legendary, and he has a special liking for the Indian attack, which is what would worry the Indians no end. Over the years, Cook has played some marathon match-defining innings for the side, both in England and in India, where he made a successful debut eight years back. This is what would give Cook plenty of confidence as he faces India, in spite of his lack of runs in recent times.
India are well aware that they cannot allow Cook to get back among the runs. But the big question that arises is, do they have the bowlers who can trouble the England captain? From what has been on show in the two practice games, Indian bowlers have struggled to trouble county batsmen. How they perform against Cook and co thus remains a big question mark. The leader of the attack, Ishant Sharma, has looked toothless, and the rest hardly have any experience of playing in England. Cook would see this as a great opportunity to roar back to form. Beware, Team India.
--By A Cricket Analyst
