World Cup 2023, IND vs ENG | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

Jos Buttler and Rohit Sharma (X.com)

India aim to consolidate the numero uno spot in the ICC World Cup 2023 standings with their sixth consecutive triumph on Sunday (October 29). Men in Blue take on defending champions England in Lucknow after hammering Australia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and New Zealand in their previous league matches of the marquee tournament.

Up against the tournament hosts will be the struggling Englishmen, who stand on the brink of elimination after facing a string of defeats and clinching just a solitary win from their five matches. England's only victory came against Bangladesh, while they've faced heavy defeats to New Zealand, Afghanistan, South Africa, and Sri Lanka.

IND vs ENG: Team Previews 

India 

India have flexed their muscles as an all-round juggernaut in the competition with their robust bowling attack and star-studded batting unit. Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been the frontrunners on the batting front, while Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav have played influential roles in the bowling department.

Of the rest, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Siraj, and Mohammad Shami may have flown under the radar but have also made their presence count. India's only headache revolves around the untimely injury to their premier allrounder Hardik Pandya, who is recovering from an ankle issue.

Indian players in action (X.com)

If Pandya was fit, India wouldn't have thought twice about bringing third spinner R. Ashwin into their line-up for a dry pitch in Lucknow. However, with the key allrounder out, India will have to reconsider the third-seam option in order to play Ashwin in a five-man attack. Would they be brave enough to drop one of Shami and Siraj to keep up with the conditions on offer?

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England 

For England, the problems have multiplied and been exposed brutally as they've headed deeper into the campaign. The Jos Buttler-led reigning champions have struggled in either department and have had questions raised about their playing strategy and overall approach in the middle.

England's ultra aggressive approach has entailed excessive risks and opened wicket-taking doors for opposition attacks. Batting with the quest to provide their vulnerable bowling unit totals well above par, the 2019 champions have suffered the worst fate with horrendous collapses in their last three matches. 

Injuries and constant changes made to the line-up haven't helped the cause either as they've instilled an unstable base and lack of assurance and role clarity about the side. All that needs quick amends if England are to stay in the hunt for the knock-outs stage.

IND vs ENG: Match Details & Live Streaming

IND vs ENG: Lucknow Pitch Report

The pitch at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow is renowned for its dry nature and the sharp turn. It's an ideal ground for India to unleash their best spin options against the explosive England batting unit and tame the beast about them. Ashwin could be in for a much-awaited comeback to join the Jadeja-Kuldeep duo while England are expected to use more of Moeen Ali, and Liam Livingstone alongside Adil Rashid for the coming encounter. 

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IND vs ENG: Probable Playing XIs

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja,  R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami

England: Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (c & wk), Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, David Willey, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood

IND vs ENG: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

IND vs ENG: Winner Prediction 

India start as firm favourites to retain their winning streak past England in Lucknow, a ground with pitch conditions tilted decisively in favour of the tournament hosts, who look set to take a giant stride towards the knock-outs stage.