India vs Sri Lanka, Australia vs Pakistan, West Indies vs England. Three test series in two continents will start tomorrow. Atleast in one, we already know who the favourite is, whereas in the other two, it is more or less evenly matched. Everything depends on who wins the crucial moments.
Let me start with India against Sri Lanka
For a very long time now, India have become virtually unbeatable at home. The odds are completely stacked against a Sri Lankan team that lacks in both experience and talent. India on the otherhand, is quite solid though there are some potential bottlenecks in the lineup. The main question is who will replace Pujara and Rahane. With players like Vihari, Gill and Shreyas Iyer, they are more than an adequate replacement for the senior players.
Shreyas especially, has got off to a good start to his international career and Vihari is not far behind when it comes to stickability at the wicket. With Rahul establishing himself on the top or the order, though I will not play him at the top, and Kohli at number 4, I certainly think that Vihari and Shreyas will take up the middle order. Shubnam Gill though quite talented will have to wait for his time.
What the combination will be?
The main point of focus will be whether Rohit will play 3 spinners and 2 medium pacers or 3 medium pacers and 2 spinners. Ashwin and Jadeja are guaranteed their spots and the 3rd spinner will be Kuldeep. If 3 medium pacers are needed, Bumrah, Shami and Siraj will likely to form the attack. The new skipper, Rohit Sharma, will want to prove to everyone that he indeed is the best bet to captain in all the 3 formats. A series win, albeit against an inexperienced Sri Lankan side, will not only boost his confidence as a captain but it will motivate him to win the series against England in June. With lack of test match cricket till then, India must utilise these games to plan for that one test which will give them the series.
As for Sri Lanka, the task in front of them is pretty gigantic. Remember, they have not won a test in India yet. The last time, they toured India, they are thrashed and much the same can be expected. I don’t see Sri Lanka lasting the 5 days in either of the test.
England vs West Indies
This series promises to be pretty close than previously thought. Something happens to West Indies whenever they are up against the likes of England. They immediately raise their game. Back during the golden period, Vivian Richards, Richardson, the fast bowlers and other players have always loathed to lose to England. It shows in the multiple humiliations West Indies have managed to inflict on England. The colonial mindset is still running strong. The current team too possess such an attitude. West Indies won the last series between these teams the last time they played in the islands.
A new look England
England have effected a wholesale change to their squad after the Ashes massacre. For the first time in a longwhile, England are without the services of either Broad or Anderson. They have a new opening pair in Lees and Crawley. Batting was the major problem in Australia. Though West Indies are likely to offer less examination of the technique of the batsmen, it is still an area of concern. Root has decided to move up the order from where he can control the innings. I think the mindset that Stokes is in, he must be moved one spot lower and Bairstow at number 5. Stokes is too valuable an asset to be messed with. It looks like he needs time to get into the full groove after his injury and mental illness.
As for the West Indies, they are boosted by the sight of English batsmen. Will they have the same hunger again and will they be able to pull one over England, again, is something that depends on their batsmen very much. Jayden Seales is an exciting talent but he can do only so much if the batsmen are able to support him with runs. Last tour, it was because of the freak innings of Holder West Indies won the series. It may not happen again.
I expect this to be a drawn series.
Australia vs Pakistan
Australia are on a roll. 4 brilliant wins in the Ashes and that was preceded by the World T20 crown, no Langer as the head coach, the Australian team must be in a happy place. Cummins, the world’s best bowler has got his first major challenge. Australia have not travelled well over the last 20 years in the sub-continent. As usual, much depends on Smith and Marnus with Khawaja as the dark horse. Lyon will once again prove to be a handful for the Pakistan batsmen. He is a much improved bowler under Asian conditions. Pakistan can underestimate him at their own peril. Cummins himself will give his all to prove that Australia are slowly starting to turn a leaf and that they can be considered as the best in the world once again.
In Babar Azam, Rizwan & Shaheen, Pakistan does possess the ability to thwart the Aussies. If they can contain Smith and Marnus, the rest of the Aussie batsmen will not pose much threat.
Pakistan will win the series.
Conclusion to Three test series in two continents
Suddenly, cricket is being played everywhere. It is just like the old days.