Simon Duoll backs India Ahead Of IND vs ENG Series: India is gearing up to host England in an eagerly anticipated five-match Test series, kicking off on January 25 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. As turning tracks are a well-known characteristic of Indian pitches, discussions have already ignited regarding the likely nature of the red soil surfaces throughout the series.
In recent years, the spin-friendly nature of Indian surfaces, particularly in Test matches, has faced severe criticism from the English media. Some pitches have been known to offer significant turn as early as the first day. England’s last series victory in India dates back to 2012 under the leadership of Sir Alastair Cook. Since then, they have struggled, managing only one Test win on Indian soil across two tours, experiencing defeats of 0-4 and 1-3 in 2016 and 2021, respectively.
“England’s ‘Bazball’ Not Good Enough To Beat India…”- Simon Duoll
Meanwhile, former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull strongly believes that England will face difficulty in maintaining the ‘Bazball’ approach throughout the five Tests against India. However, he asserts that England is likely to stick to their aggressive playing style, particularly on the turning tracks in India. Notably, India has maintained an impeccable record at home, having not lost a Test series and securing an impressive 16 consecutive series wins since the defeat against England in 2012.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Duoll said: “I don’t like the term. But the way they play, I enjoy. They will not change the way they play, and neither should they. It has been attractive; it has been a resurgence of Test cricket. I don’t think they will stop the way they play. Will it work? It might be in a Test or two. I don’t think it will work over a five-Test series. (It’s not) good enough to beat an Indian side. I think we are in for a cracking Test series, and it will be entertaining no matter how it goes, but I don’t think they will be able to sustain it over a five-Test series,”
Since adopting the Bazball approach under coach Brendon McCullum, England’s Test team remains undefeated in series. They drew the Ashes against Australia with a 2-2 score last year. Both Ben Stokes and Rohit Sharma are undefeated as Test captains, but one of them will see their reign end in the upcoming series.
India, on a remarkable 16-series winning streak at home, is a formidable Test cricket force. England, last defeated by West Indies in 2021, aims to improve their WTC standing (currently seventh) by challenging India. The series begins in Hyderabad, followed by matches in Vishakhapatnam, Rajkot, Ranchi, and Dharamsala.
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