The last time these two teams met in England in a Test series, it was billed as a marquee clash of titans, before it fizzled out as a one-sided contest. India rolled over like the wrestler who was battling a hangover before the bout. England seemed formidable, with a batting and bowling attack worthy of the No.1 team in the world. Things have changed drastically since. This time around, it is not two teams grappling for 'The mace'; it is two teams searching for an identity and a foothold back in the race. In a 5-Test series, they have as long as it takes, to slay their demons or cave in. In fact, this would be the first 5-Test match series for any of the Indian players, thus demanding quite a bit of fortitude.
Englands talismanic captain, once billed as Sachin Tendulkars potential heir in Test cricket, has gone 24 innings without reaching triple figures. Their blue-eyed boy, Kevin Pietersen, who thwarted India in its own backyard is not in the scheme of things anymore. A heavy drubbing in Australia and an even more painful, agonizingly torturous series loss to Sri Lanka leave England a side bereaving a quick decline. A fresh set of players and a new coach with much to prove hope this could be the start of a new era.
Alastair Cook who came back from the verge of being dropped to hit a purple patch once before, in an Ashes series will hope for a turnaround. A mentally fit captain needs runs and 17, 28, 17 and 16 were all Cook could notch up against Sri Lanka. The good news for Cook though, is that he has a batting line-up that is in reasonable nick. Moeen Alis gem almost saved the day for England against Sri Lanka. Sam Robson, Gary Ballance and Joe Root have also reached triple figures at least once in the two Test series, with Ian Bell and Matt Prior chipping in with sizeable knocks.
The bowling though doesnt have the fiery edge of before. Liam Plunkett and James Anderson have been amongst the wickets, but Indias batting machine wouldnt really be intimidated by the battery that also includes Chris Jordan, Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes. Their lower order can definitely bat though and wrapping the tail has never been one of Indias strengths.
MS Dhoni meanwhile has gone three years without an overseas win. True, he won the Champions Trophy here last year, but the battle in whites has many more dimensions. His own personal form in the longer format is not awe-inspiring by any stretch of imagination. He has had starts in all 4 recent overseas matches (2 against NZ and 2 against SA) but managed a lone half century. His batting isnt the only conflict in his head. For the first time in years, India might field five bowlers, Stuart Binny eating up Rohit Sharmas place.
Only Bhuvanesh Kumar inspires any confidence in the bowling line-up that also features the lacklustre Ishant Sharma, the rookies Pankaj Singh and Ishwar Pandey and the talented Mohammed Shami. Ravindra Jadeja in all probability will take the lone spinners slot ahead of Ravichandran Ashwin. Umesh Yadav with a natural out-swinger and genuine pace surprisingly lost out to an erratic Varun Aaron and that might come back to bite India.
There is a good chance India wouldnt play all 5 Tests with the same team. Gautam Gambhir will definitely put pressure on the standard openers, Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay. There will also be a tussle between Rohit Sharma and Binny for the No.6 slot, with Ashwin getting a chance on a drier pitch. In fact, the only way Binny could stay out is if both Rohit and Rahane do very well and the 4 bowlers prove to be good enough, a highly unlikely situation. Even if Rohit Sharma gets to play in the first Test, it is understood his place is in serious scrutiny. In the pace department, it will be a surprise if Ishant Sharma wins a slot ahead of Ishwar Pandey.
India Shikhar Dhawan, Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma/Stuart Binny, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvanesh Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Ishwar Pandey.
Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane could well be the stars of the series for India at No.4 and No.5. Stuart Binny with a good knock in the practice match could earn a cap if the pitch offers any assistance to seam bowling at all, giving India an extra bowling option at No.7.
England Alastair Cook, Sam Robson, Gary Ballance, Joe Root, Ian Bell, Moeen Ali, Matt Prior, Chris Jordan, Stuart Broad, Liam Plunkett, James Anderson
Alastair Cook who came back from the verge of being dropped to hit a purple patch once before, in an Ashes series will hope for a turnaround. A mentally fit captain needs runs and 17, 28, 17 and 16 were all Cook could notch up against Sri Lanka. The good news for Cook though, is that he has a batting line-up that is in reasonable nick. Moeen Alis gem almost saved the day for England against Sri Lanka. Sam Robson, Gary Ballance and Joe Root have also reached triple figures at least once in the two Test series, with Ian Bell and Matt Prior chipping in with sizeable knocks.
The bowling though doesnt have the fiery edge of before. Liam Plunkett and James Anderson have been amongst the wickets, but Indias batting machine wouldnt really be intimidated by the battery that also includes Chris Jordan, Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes. Their lower order can definitely bat though and wrapping the tail has never been one of Indias strengths.
MS Dhoni meanwhile has gone three years without an overseas win. True, he won the Champions Trophy here last year, but the battle in whites has many more dimensions. His own personal form in the longer format is not awe-inspiring by any stretch of imagination. He has had starts in all 4 recent overseas matches (2 against NZ and 2 against SA) but managed a lone half century. His batting isnt the only conflict in his head. For the first time in years, India might field five bowlers, Stuart Binny eating up Rohit Sharmas place.
Only Bhuvanesh Kumar inspires any confidence in the bowling line-up that also features the lacklustre Ishant Sharma, the rookies Pankaj Singh and Ishwar Pandey and the talented Mohammed Shami. Ravindra Jadeja in all probability will take the lone spinners slot ahead of Ravichandran Ashwin. Umesh Yadav with a natural out-swinger and genuine pace surprisingly lost out to an erratic Varun Aaron and that might come back to bite India.
There is a good chance India wouldnt play all 5 Tests with the same team. Gautam Gambhir will definitely put pressure on the standard openers, Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay. There will also be a tussle between Rohit Sharma and Binny for the No.6 slot, with Ashwin getting a chance on a drier pitch. In fact, the only way Binny could stay out is if both Rohit and Rahane do very well and the 4 bowlers prove to be good enough, a highly unlikely situation. Even if Rohit Sharma gets to play in the first Test, it is understood his place is in serious scrutiny. In the pace department, it will be a surprise if Ishant Sharma wins a slot ahead of Ishwar Pandey.
India Shikhar Dhawan, Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma/Stuart Binny, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvanesh Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Ishwar Pandey.
Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane could well be the stars of the series for India at No.4 and No.5. Stuart Binny with a good knock in the practice match could earn a cap if the pitch offers any assistance to seam bowling at all, giving India an extra bowling option at No.7.
England Alastair Cook, Sam Robson, Gary Ballance, Joe Root, Ian Bell, Moeen Ali, Matt Prior, Chris Jordan, Stuart Broad, Liam Plunkett, James Anderson
Joe Root, fresh off a double century will be the rooted wicket for the Indian bowlers, as he is capable of piling the daddy hundreds. Besides, without a frontline spinner, his clever and steady off-spin will come handy at times. Gary Ballance, who racked his maiden Test century in the Sri Lanka series and a 50+ first class average, is the other batsman Indians should be wary of. Ian Bell could once again prove to be a thorn like in the previous series.
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