In Hyderabad, England’s surprising victory led by Ben Stokes shows they’re not just participants. They’re here to fight against India’s strong home game record.
India has not lost a home Test series in 11 years, dating back to England’s victory over the Asian powers in 2012. The first test in Hyderabad should be difficult for the hosts to stomach, considering India once lost a Test match after holding a 190-run lead.
This was the first occasion in 106 tests that India lost a test after taking a 100-plus run lead at home; they won 70 and drew 35. On the other hand, their opponents would be a calm group full of confidence in their ability to play “BazBall” more aggressively.
Let’s discuss why India might find this English team tougher in the second test at Vishakhapatnam, which starts on February 2nd. With England in a favorite position, India should be more cautious.
1. India are plagued with injuries
Indian team managers are in a tough spot. Key players, Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul, won’t play in the second test. They’ve got hamstring and right quadriceps injuries.
Our already new and less strong batting team feels this loss. Not having our top batsmen, Rahul and Jadeja, is a hard blow.
Indian management would miss Jadeja the all-rounder more since, in these circumstances, he not only provides a cushion for the three spinners and two pacers combination, but also allows for a left-hander in the middle order at number six.
2. Psychological advantage to England
It would be an insult to England’s valiant efforts in Hyderabad to argue that India squandered their chances of losing the test. Because they had no business winning the tests when they were behind by 190 runs in the second inning and half of their batting lineup had already left the dugout before the advantage was depleted.
However, English batters shown tremendous spirit by putting pressure on India’s legendary spin three of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel with their positive attitude.
With the ball, the English bowlers, particularly Tom Hartley, bowled with far more control than in the first inning, demonstrating how the English camp is readjusting its plans, something the Indian squad lacked plainly.
Cricket is played not just on the field with a bat and ball, but also mentally. English captain Ben Stokes was fully aware of this, and he said immediately after winning the test that it was the “greatest win” for England in terms of causing India to dwell and think more deeply.
3. Bazball is working for England
England trailed India by 190 runs, yet they not only clawed their way back into the game, but also beat them by 28 runs.
Faced with a daunting assignment, they replied by attacking 54% of the deliveries thrown to them in the Test match (the greatest attacking percentage of any visiting team in India).
English batters, particularly Ollie Pope, faced India’s spinners with a variety of sweeps, reverse sweeps, and the rare lap shot, playing a high-risk game on a difficult pitch against a tough spin trio.
Despite having their backs against the wall, the Three Lions remained committed to their aggressive style of cricket. And it would not be surprising if they play more recklessly from now on, as they prepare for the second test in Vishakhapatnam.
