ENG vs IND: England will lock horns with India in the rescheduled fifth Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham on July 1. The much-delayed Test match has a lot riding on it. It created a furore when it was called off the last time. Test cricket lovers blamed the IPL for the postponement. In what was a fairly dramatic series with India leading 2-1, the final Test deserved all the attention but only for it to be played out later.
ENG vs IND The recent history:
India was arguably in pole position at the end of the fourth Test. They won two iconic Tests, one at Lords, and the other at the Oval. If not for the final day washout in the first Test, India stood a great chance to wrap up the series 3-1. But India’s unassailable lead has added a whole new dimension to the India – England rivalry, especially in England. The last time India won a series in England was back in 2007. They lost 0-4 in 2011, 1-3 in 2014, and 1-4 in 2018. Hence India in 2021-22 has already fared better than their three previous tours.
Different looking teams:
England and India will sport a new look to them when they face off in the final Test. A lot of changes have taken place, especially among the lead personnel. Ben Stokes has taken over from Joe Root as England’s captain. Brendon McCullum is the new head coach of the Test team for England. India too has had its fair share of change. Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid have taken over the role of captain and coach respectively from Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri. It will be interesting to see how this battle pans out.
New England vs Driven India?
A new-look England side seems keen to play a certain brand of cricket. They completely outplayed New Zealand in the second Test. If that indicates how they will play Test cricket, then it will be difficult for the opponents to stop them in their tracks. India on the other hand will be eager to wrap up the series. A series win in England will mean a lot to this Indian side, which has arguably been the best traveling side in the last decade.
What Does This Game Mean For Test Cricket?
England’s new approach to Test cricket has already revived the interest in the game’s longest format. They seem to have taken a leaf out of Kohli-Shastri’s book of aggressive cricket. Stokes – McCullum combination will dare to play the game in the same vein if not pull out all stops. It will be a blockbuster contest with the series delicately poised. Test cricket needs these two proud cricketing nations to drive the game forward in the best interests of everyone!
