The upcoming 5-game Test series between India and England, set to kick off on January 25 in Hyderabad, promises an enthralling clash of cricketing titans. England’s aggressive batting approach, akin to baseball, will be put to a stern test on the turning tracks of India, known for favoring spin bowlers. The subcontinental conditions, coupled with India’s formidable spin arsenal, present a formidable challenge for any visiting team. Historically, winning a Test series in India has proven to be one of the toughest tasks in international cricket, given the diverse challenges posed by the pitches and the skillful spin bowlers.
As England strives to conquer the formidable Indian spin trio, the series becomes a litmus test for their adaptability and resilience. The battle for supremacy on turning wickets adds an extra layer of intrigue to this contest, making it a must-watch for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
India has unveiled its squad for the initial two tests of the series, revealing that star pacer Mohammed Shami, who dazzled in the ODI World Cup with 24 wickets, will miss the first two matches. Shami’s exceptional performance made him the leading wicket-taker of the tournament, despite battling an ankle injury throughout. Unfortunately, the lingering effects of the injury will keep him on the sidelines for the upcoming tests against England. His absence leaves a notable void in India’s pace attack, emphasizing the team’s need for effective alternatives to maintain their bowling prowess in the series’ early encounters.
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IND vs ENG: Here Is Why Prasidh Krishna Missed Out On A Place In India’s Squad
Prasidh Krishna, who stepped in for Shami during the South Africa series, had a challenging initiation into Test cricket with a lackluster performance on favorable pitches. However, his woes continue as he’s now omitted from the squad for the initial two Tests against England. The setback arises from a left quadriceps injury sustained during Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy clash with Gujarat, where he bowled 14.5 overs before limping off the field. The injury poses uncertainty regarding his availability for upcoming fixtures, including India’s home Test series against England. Currently receiving attention from the Karnataka team physio, the 27-year-old, being a BCCI-contracted player, could also collaborate with the India ‘A’ support staff present in Ahmedabad for the two-day match against England Lions.
Prasidh Krishna picks up a quadriceps injury during the Ranji Trophy match. pic.twitter.com/ihazgPT0fR
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 13, 2024
