India vs. England - The Rivalry Resumes!
Watch these two formidable teams face each other for a Test, three ODIs, and three T20s on Willow TV!
Back in 2021...
India was having a memorable tour of England in 2021. After drawing the first Test, they gained the upper hand by winning the second one. England rose to the challenge and won the following match. India refused to cave to the mounting pressure and won the fourth Test. Had India won the series, it would’ve been the first Test win on English soil in 15 years…but just before they clinched their victory, COVID-19 intervened.
The last time India won a Test series in England was in 2007. Rahul Dravid was leading the team when they won the series 1-0 against England, when Michael Vaughan was its captain. Fourteen years later, Rahul Dravid is set to face off against England again – this time, as India’s coach.
The Current Scenario
The hope is that Rahul Dravid’s experience will help strengthen the Indian contingency, increasing their odds of winning over last year. India’s vice-captain KL Rahul has been ruled out for the entire tour due to injury and India’s new captain, Rohit Sharma, tested positive for COVID-19 just days before the start of this historic test match. This means India will go into the final game without two of its premier opening batters. All eyes will be on Virat Kohli, whose form could prove decisive. In the absence of Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah will be leading the side.
But Dravid’s team isn’t the only one that’s leveled up: England has also improved their chances of victory with the appointment of Kiwi legend Brendon McCullum as their new head coach. Needless to say, no one can determine who will prevail in this “fire vs. ice” battle.
On the English team, Joe Root handed over the captaincy to Ben Stokes – and since then, Root’s form has been impressive. On the other hand, Virat Kohli’s form could prove a concern for Team India. Because it was rescheduled, this Test will be Rohit Sharma’s first-ever overseas game as a full-time captain.
KL Rahul and Ajinkya Rahane will miss the Edgbaston Test due to injuries. Barring these omissions, the rest of the Indian squad looks strong.
England’s solid and aggressive line-up includes Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and James Anderson (among others). England’s impressive series win against New Zealand is bound to give them the momentum while India chases a historic feat.
What to Expect?
India and England have forged a rivalry in recent years, with Joe Root’s and Virat Kohli’s mocking each other with “Mic-Drop” gestures.
Watch these two formidable teams face each other for a Test, three ODIs and three T20s.
Subscribe to Sling’s Willow Cricket pack for just $6/month and claim your seat to enjoy this fierce cricket battle – starting July 1.