Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum’s leadership has seen England undefeated in Test series. With them, England celebrated victories in 13 out of 18 Tests. The team collected five series wins, facing only two draws under this new management.
In their most recent match, the 2023 Ashes, England overcame a significant disadvantage to even the score and almost win the series. With Stokes and company leading a formidable team, India may be in for their toughest home test in ten years.
Although Rohit Sharma and company are a great team at home, they will need to be extremely well-prepared and well-planned. India has to accomplish these three things correctly in order to defeat England in the opening Test.
1. India can make the best use of Axar Patel’s batting and bowling skills
In India’s home tournament, Axar Patel was underutilized in the last series against Australia. Despite his superior batting skills, his position wasn’t elevated in the lineup. Moreover, his bowling contribution was minimized.
India should not repeat its previous blunders this time around. Axar may provide significant value in the top seven as a spin specialist, but he shouldn’t be utilized at No. 9, where he is frequently required to bat with the tail. Additionally, the left-arm spinner bowls with unwavering accuracy and appears to be rediscovering his bowling touch.
In home circumstances, Axar is a world-class Test all-rounder, and India must get the most out of him if they are to prevail.
2. India’s plan to unsettle England’s bowlers in the first Test
Ollie Robinson and James Anderson are not included in the England team coming into the match, which might backfire if India plays their cards well. Ben Stokes may find it difficult to apply pressure from both ends in the absence of a control pacer in the lineup.
The only fast, Mark Wood, is also not the most accurate bowler. In an attempt to get wickets, he will undoubtedly give up a few boundary balls, and his form wasn’t the finest during the 2023 World Cup.
In Test cricket, leg-spinners haven’t been very effective lately, and Rehan Ahmed is another bowler who may occasionally be caught for a few runs. You may even assault Tom Hartley, who will be making his debut.
India must take advantage of their opportunities to score runs and be aggressive against specific England bowlers, particularly considering the composition of their present attack.
3. Rohit Sharma and company must be proactive and positive against England’s aggression
India has to take note of the blunders Australia committed during the 2023 Ashes. With a thunderous four through the off-side, Zak Crawley communicated his intentions, and Pat Cummins reacted by widening the field.
Once again, England will probably strike first, so Rohit Sharma will need to maintain pressure and match fire with fire. During the just finished South Africa trip, the Indian captain’s defensive leadership drew criticism; if he keeps up this trend, the hosts may be in big danger.
India will need to match the visitors’ level of aggressiveness, even if England manages to score a few runs or take a few wickets quickly. Rohit cannot let Stokes and McCullum to dictate terms because they love nothing more than that.
Throughout the match, India must build up attacking fields and put fielders in catching positions.