1st Test: England vs India
They are arguably the best two batsmen in world cricket, and that takes some doing when you’re also leading your team, but skippers Joe Root and Virat Kohli have what it takes.
And this match is jam-packed with star quality.
The First Test at Edgbasten in this new set of England-India clashes promises to be a classic after the hosts won an entertaining ODI series 2-1. India have looked the best side in the five-day game for some time while England have slid down the rankings, but home advantage and an exciting young team gives the Three Lions every chance.
Talking Points
England vs India highlights packages are always full to the limit, and when you consider the array of stars on show, then it’s no wonder.
India are the best cricket test side in the world according to ICC rankings and, in the absence of the disgraced Aussie Steve Smith, skipper Virat Kohli is the best batsman. Joe Root is third rated batter in the world and in the bowling stakes James Anderson has returned to the summit of the rankings ahead of South Africa paceman Kagiso Rabada.
Add into the mix cricket’s best spin pairing, Ravi Ashwin and Ravinder Jadeja, and another superstar in Kuldeep Yadav on the conveyor belt this game is sure to be a cracker. These are the two best ODI sides on the planet so we can expect fireworks when the big hitters wind up.
Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes can keep the fans on their toes when they start to find their range, but even they can be overshadowed by an even more explosive batsman.
England selector Ed Smith recalled Lancashire’s Jos Buttler for the Test Series against Pakistan earlier this summer after a stunning run of form in the IPL, including a record over, scoring 28, and hitting a string of five consecutive half centuries. On his day he is the most destructive batter in the world, but he is always inventive and has recently shown he can get his head down in the five-day game.
The call-up of Adil Rashid is not without controversy after the Yorkshire spinner earlier this year turned his back on test cricket to concentrate on the white ball game. Smith has defended the decision in the face of criticism from former captain Michael Vaughan, while Dom Bess can feel unlucky to be left out. Meanwhile, young Essex pace bowler James Porter has made the squad for the first time.
India batter Rohit Sharma has been axed amidst doubts over his ability to thrive in England with a red ball and so more rests on the shoulders of Shikhar Darwan and skipper Virat Kohli. That isn’t without its concerns for the tourists; even though Kohli has been imperious over the last few years, he hasn’t been such a success in England. He averaged less than 14 in his last tour here back in 2014 and he has made it his mission to improve his team’s form away from their home.
They suffered a narrow defeat to South Africa which is an improvement, but they have only had four series away wins from the last 31. Kholi could turn to the promise of slow left armer Kuldeep who has already bamboozled England during the one day game, taking five wickets in the T20 before returning six for 25 in the ODI win at Trent Bridge.
Like his opposite number, Root has a problem to solve in his own batting form. He has made 28 fifties in his last 60 test innings, almost one in two which is a great statistic. Not so impressive though is his conversion rate, as he has turned only five of these innings into hundreds.
If Root and Kohli can solve their conundrums they will be near perfect batsmen!
History
Let’s take a look at the head to heads to help us unravel the England vs India betting odds.
India made their first appearance in test cricket against England back in 1932 and since then have won only six in England, while the hosts have won 30 from 57, with 21 ending in a draw.
India have won three series wins from 17 in England while the Three Lions have taken 13, with just one series drawn.
In white ball cricket England goes from strength to strength beating India with an emphatic batting display in the third match to take the series 2-1. Joe Root did convert on that occasion and it was his second successive hundred.
But Root’s team have lost ten of the last 30 home tests, with four coming in the last ten. That is food for thought for both skippers.
What are the odds?
Even so, the SBOBET odds still have England as favourites at 1.90, while India are at 2.70 and 3.50 the draw.
Draw no bet is 1.64 and 2.28, but if the long UK summer weather holds for another week, I can’t see a stalemate.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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