Prior to their five-match Test series in India, England has received a warning from former India player Harbhajan Singh.
The former cricket player turned pundit believes that because of the spin-friendly conditions in India, their Bazball strategy won’t be effective. If they can get buy from the surface, the renowned off-spinner thinks England spinners might help them compete in India.
With Jack Leach being the only seasoned spinner in the visiting team’s spin four, the remark is made. The four-match Test series in India in 2020–21 saw the left-arm pacer spinner take 18 wickets.
Rehan Ahmed, aside from Leach, has only participated in one Test match in Pakistan, when he claimed seven wickets. Shoaib Bashir and Tom Hartley have not yet played a Test match.
According to Hindustan Times, Harbhajan Singh stated:
“Bazball won’t work. The conditions are going to be pretty difficult for England. Pitches will turn from the first day, and if you have an accurate spinner, he will take wickets.
Harbhajan Singh
Harbhajan Singh Added:
“On both sides, actually. Toss becomes pretty important on such wickets. I don’t think England have a chance unless there isn’t much to offer for spinners.”
Harbhajan Singh
The last series win for the visiting team in India was 2-1, back in the season of 2012-13. After that, India has seized victory for 16 continuous home Test series. Specifically, England was defeated twofold with 4-0 and 3-1 in the seasons of 2016-17 and 2020-21.
Both Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel took many wickets in the last Test series. Ashwin got 32, and Patel managed to collect 27, notably in India.
Ben Stokes-led England haven’t lost a Test series
Under Ben Stokes guidance, England has seen 13 victories in 19 matches, and managed a tie too. They haven’t experienced a Test series loss with him at the helm.
England achieved Test series victories with 2-1 against South Africa, a sweep of 3-0 over Pakistan, and a single win 1-0 against Ireland. Following these, they rallied to balance the Ashes series in 2023 at 2-2 amidst thrilling contests. The subsequent duel in New Zealand concluded evenly, each side winning one in the two-match series.