The upcoming five-Test series between India and England has sparked considerable debate among cricket experts, with former players weighing in on the possible outcome. The series, which marks the start of the new World Test Championship cycle, begins in Leeds on June 20, with the fourth Test scheduled for Manchester in July.
Matthew Hayden, the former Australian opener, believes India stands a strong chance of securing victory if they capitalize on the conditions in Leeds and Manchester. Hayden pointed out that England's bowling attack is not as formidable as it once was, citing injuries and retirements of key players. Speaking on 'JioHotstar', Hayden said, "I don't think England bowlers are that good, they have got a number of injuries and a number of retirees as well, that will be the challenge." He further added, "The northern Test matches when it's zipping around that will be key, win that one and it could well be a series that goes India's way."
Hayden's comments are particularly noteworthy given the absence of James Anderson and Stuart Broad, who have both retired from international cricket since India's last red-ball tour of England. Moreover, England's bowling resources have been further depleted by injuries to Mark Wood, who will miss at least the first three Tests, and Jofra Archer, who is sidelined for the opening game. Gus Atkinson is also recovering from a hamstring strain, adding to England's bowling woes.
In contrast to Hayden's optimism for India, South African pace legend Dale Steyn has predicted a 3-2 victory for England. While acknowledging that India will put up a strong fight, Steyn believes England's home advantage will be decisive. "It is a pretty young team. Probably going to say that England are going to win the series but it's not going to come without a fight. I feel like there are going to be one or two Tests that India will take themselves," Steyn said. He also added, "All games will be close. But every game will have a result. I think it will be 3-2 in favour of England. But even that will be incredibly difficult." Steyn made these comments after South Africa's victory over Australia in the World Test Championship final.
Other cricket experts have also shared their views on the series. Former Indian cricketers Deep Dasgupta and Sanjay Manjrekar also favor England, citing India's transitional phase with a young team and new captain Shubman Gill. Dasgupta stated, "It is a young team, it has a young captain. The team is going through a transition so that will give England a slight advantage and they have the home advantage as well but it (the series) will be very close. I'd say 3-2 in favour of England." Manjrekar echoed this sentiment, saying, "I think England have an edge. They are playing at home and the Indian team is going through a transitional phase so I think England might just pull this off."
India faces a significant challenge with a youthful batting lineup and limited recent exposure to red-ball cricket. The team is entering a new era following the retirements of key players such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and R Ashwin. The performance of bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in English conditions will be crucial to India's chances.
Sanjay Bangar has offered a different perspective, predicting a 2-2 draw for the series. The differing predictions highlight the uncertainty surrounding the series and the potential for a closely contested battle between the two teams.
