England is scheduled to tour India for a complete series. There will be 5 Tests played against India. 5 Test series have become so rare that hardly one is played in a couple of years. Gone are the days when 5 Tests will be played over 4 months. Now, the same number of games is condensed in about 6 weeks. The visiting teams hardly get an opportunity to play practice games before the first Test and to get used to the conditions. Nowadays, so many games are played that the players and the board are pressed for time. These long series are only played among the big-3 of Australia, England and India. England has selected their best team but Michael Vaughan thinks otherwise. Michael Vaughan about England.

The main advantage of a 5 Test series is that it gives both sides lots of opportunities to come back into the series. The recently concluded Ashes is an example of that. Australia led 2-0 after the first and second Tests whereas the series ended 2-2. England were clearly outplayed in the first couple of games and came into their self only from the 3rd game. In a shortened series, Australia would have already won the Ashes.

The current lot

England certainly believes that they have a good side that satisfies various needs in India. They have a couple of young spinners in Bashir and Ahmed ably supported by Jack Leach. For express pace, they have Mark Wood and for guile, they have Anderson. Among the batsmen, all of them are stroke makers. Ever since Ben Stokes and Brendan McCullum took over the England side, they have played the game at a level that is a dream for the rest of the teams. Notable performances include the 3-0 rout of Pakistan in Pakistan. Under Stokes, England has won 13 out of the 18 Tests with just 4 losses. These are extraordinary statistics.

They are unlikely to change their tactics in India if the pitches do not turn extravagantly. If that is the case, they can come unstuck but if they win the toss and bat first, which any team will invariably do, they can post totals that will be difficult for India to achieve. With the pitch turning from the 3rd onwards, England could hope.

Michael Vaughan does not think so

However, England’s former captain, one who achieved the extraordinary result of winning a series against Australia back in 2005, does not think so.

“Will it be good enough to win in India, that’s the big question. I very much doubt it because India don’t lose at home often particularly when it’s turning square. Would expect India to win the series but the big Indian crowds will be back because they’ll want to watch them ( England),” Vaughan said.

“Can England get 20 wickets without a world-class spinner? It’ll be the ultimate challenge but they’ll play their Bazball style and try to put India under pressure,” the 48-year-old further said. 

Vaughan is certain that India will win the series. He does not think that Bazball will be that effective on the Indian pitches. He is probably correct but it is just a question of applying pressure effectively. The last time England were in India, every wicket turned square from day one. They won the first Test in Chennai while batting first because the pitch on day one was flat and made the most of the turning conditions on days 3, 4 & 5. Anderson destroyed India with his reverse swing.

Vaughan is probably correct because England when under pressure, has found itself in a spot of both even in the new era. Against Australia, until Nathan Lyon was in the picture, they didn’t know how to go about Bazball. Not only Lyon kept the runrate down but he also picked up crucial wickets. In India, this choke will increase manifold. How England, particularly Ben Stokes is able to ride the pressure will be key.

The ability of the batsmen

Ben Stokes will return after a major knee surgery. Whether he will be match fit remains to be seen. It is not easy to return to action and that too in a high profile series so soon after a major surgery. His batting, his captaincy and his bowling will all be crucial to England’s prospects. England can bet on Joe Root to bat as he always does but there will be question marks over Crawley and Duckett. Last time around, Duckett was a sitting duck to Ashwin. He may have gained confidence after the runs in The Ashes but will that be enough in India?

The whole Bazball approach depends on the freewheeling ability of Johny Bairstow. With the additional responsibility of keeping wickets, he will be all the freer to go after the bowling knowing fully well that his position is secure.

Wrapping up Michael Vaughan about England

Vaughan is perhaps correct in his assessment but England would like to prove him wrong. The young spinners may not be that much of a threat which leaves a lot of onus on the batsmen to score a sufficient volume of runs for them to matter.

Having said that, I would want India to prepare pitches that do not turn square. Slow and low pitches will be good to watch. For the last 2 WTC finals, India qualified on the back of winning a lot of games at home and was humbled first by New Zealand and then by Australia.  This time, I want us to qualify by playing excellent cricket and not assisted by the pitches.

Other blogs about England

https://icricketcritique.com/england-vs-west-indies-series-review
https://icricketcritique.com/what-it-means-for-england-in-stokes-absence/
https://icricketcritique.com/cricket-is-alive-and-kicking/
https://icricketcritique.com/brendan-mccullum-and-england-coaching/
https://icricketcritique.com/india-must-not-be-complacent-against-england/
https://icricketcritique.com/an-incredible-chase-by-england/
https://icricketcritique.com/has-england-redefined-how-test-cricket-must-be-played/
https://icricketcritique.com/swann-wants-chahal-in-tests-and-morgan-retires/
https://icricketcritique.com/an-excellent-summer-for-england/
https://icricketcritique.com/english-supporters-concerned-about-stokes/
https://icricketcritique.com/england-has-given-up-their-hope/

Explore More

The role of a cricket captain

Cricket, like any other team sport, requires strong leadership to succeed. The captain of a cricket team is responsible for more than just making on-field decisions. They are the face of the team, the link between the players and the management and the driving force behind the team’s success. In this article, I will dwell on the various roles and responsibilities of a cricket captain. The role of a cricket captain. On-field decision making One of the most crucial roles of a cricket captain is to make tactical decisions on the field. They have to read the pitch, the conditions and the opposition team and make decisions that can swing the game in their team's favour. Once these things are studied, analysed and accounted for, the crucial decision of what to do if the toss is won must be decided. Here the captain can invite free and frank discussion with the team but the ultimate decision rests with the captain. There are so many instances of the captain being vilified for choosing the wrong option after winning the toss. The most famous instance is that of Nasser Hussain opting to bowl at the Brisbane Gabba all those years ago only for Hayden, Langer and Ponting to pummel the English bowlers into submission. Once, the team is on the field, he is all alone. Sure, the captain can always consult with the teammates but the flow of the game will be such that he will be required to take instant decisions based on nothing more than a hunch. The captain has to decide which bowler to use, when to change the field and when to declare or set a target. A good captain can sense the momentum of the game and make decisions that can turn the tide in their team's favour. Team selection: The captain plays a vital role in team selection. They have to identify the strengths and weaknesses of their team and pick the right players to fill the various positions. They have to consider the pitch and the conditions while selecting the team. They also have to factor in the form and fitness of the players before making a decision. A captain who can pick the right team can give their team a significant advantage. Being the captain is a thankless job. Far too many times, they are required to take some tough decisions. That is the reason Ganguly’s and Kohli’s decision of leaving the highest wicket-taker of their sides out of the playing eleven was hard to digest. They were based on sound cricketing logic rather than anything else. Motivation and inspiration: A captain is also responsible for motivating and inspiring their team. They have to instill a sense of belief and confidence in their players, especially during tough times. A good captain can lead by example, displaying a positive attitude and working hard on and off the field. They have to encourage their players to give their best and never give up. Captains lead by example is a phrase often heard in cricketing circles. It is not without reason. Motivated and performing captains often inspire the entire team to achieve greater heights that they may not have otherwise. Media and public relations: A cricket captain is also the face of the team in the media and public. They have to attend press conferences and interviews and handle questions from journalists and fans. They have to present a positive image of the team and communicate the team's goals and objectives. They also have to handle criticism and negativity in a professional manner. Captains can never lose their composure. The media may invent non-existent rivalries or rifts. Captains will have to deal with them calmly. Role model and mentor: Finally, a cricket captain is a role model and mentor for their players. They have to set an example in terms of discipline, work ethic, and team spirit. They have to mentor the younger players and help them grow and develop their skills. They have to create a culture of excellence and teamwork within the team. Far too often, Asian teams, especially Indian teams have this habit of seniors and juniors. The Indian teams of 70s, 80s and 90s were faction driven. Juniors were not treated well and as equal by the seniors. The situation was quite bad until the turn of the millennium. Ganguly changed all that. Now, it is a team of equals. Wrapping up the role of a cricket captain In conclusion, the role of a cricket captain is multifaceted and complex. They have to make tactical decisions on the field, select the right team, motivate and inspire their players, handle media and public relations, and be a role model and mentor for their team. A good captain can make a significant difference to their team's success, and their leadership skills can be the difference between winning and losing.

Cricket, like any other team sport, requires strong leadership to succeed. The captain of a cricket team is responsible for more than just making on-field decisions. They are the face

What can England do?

What can England do?

The Ashes is gone and England are down and out. They did well to draw the game at Sydney but the day-night game at Hobart will be a real challenge.

Pietersen and the final breakdown

Pietersen and the final breakdown

The next chapter in the Kevin Pietersen autobiography is Pietersen and the final breakdown Just after the 1st Test, Andy Flower, shook Pietersen’s hands and told him that he was