'India Will...' - Former England Captain Predicts Results Of IND-ENG Tests

image-lrokdzx8Rohit, Virat will be India's strongest pillars (x.com)

Former England captain Michael Atherton predicts that India is set to emerge triumphant in their upcoming 5-Test match series against England, scheduled to commence on January 25 in Hyderabad. The last time England toured India in 2020-21, they faced a 1-3 defeat in the four-match series.

England, known for their aggressive Test cricket approach, is gearing up for the challenge with a squad that includes four specialist spinners—Jack Leach, Tom Hartley, Shoaib Bashir, and Rehan Ahmed. However, Atherton believes that India holds the upper hand, especially in the spin department, making it the decisive factor in the series.

"I think India will win. The fact that their spinners are superior to England's will ultimately be what separates them," Atherton told Sky Sports.

Recognizing the historical significance of spin in Indian conditions, Atherton emphasized its pivotal role, stating, "If you go to India, the spin will play a big part, it historically has done and I suspect it always will do. India does have a very strong seam attack as well."

India's spin arsenal, consisting of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel, presents a diverse and potent threat. 

Atherton highlighted the uniqueness of India's spinners, stating, "India’s four spinners are very different to England’s. Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja are their two left-arm finger spinners. Kuldeep Yadav is a wrist spinner for them, and Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the all-time great wrist spinners".

In contrast, England's spin resources are led by the experienced Jack Leach, with Tom Hartley, Shoaib Bashir, and Rehan Ahmed, all relatively inexperienced at the Test level. 

Acknowledging the challenge ahead for the English spinners, Atherton remarked,  "England have a solid left-arm spinner in Jack Leach and then three very inexperienced spinners after that with Tom Hartley, Shoaib Bashir, and Rehan Ahmed. Despite the fact that it will be especially difficult for them, the selectors believe they have great potential."

Worth noting is that England last clinched a Test series victory on Indian soil in 2012, under the captaincy of Alastair Cook.