3 reasons why England can give India tough competition in their upcoming Test series

The English led by Ben Stokes will be taking on India in their backyard in a long and gruelling upcoming Test series. The series will start in Hyderabad and England would be keen on starting the series on a positive note. In this article, we will highlight and discuss 3 reasons why England can give India a run for their money in the 5-match Test series. 

No fear of failure

The English team in the last couple of years has been different from others in terms of the playing style and the way they approach their game. The messaging is clear from the top as Brendon McCullum made it clear when he was appointed that his team will not be shying away from taking risks. Ben Stokes, the new skipper, has also been crystal clear about the philosophy that the English team will adopt and this absence of fear of failure can help them a lot, especially on a tour like India which has not been a rewarding sojourn for England in the past. 

Success in the subcontinent

England toured Pakistan in late 2022 and they had phenomenal success in the Test series. The English team whitewashed Pakistan in the longest format and that outstanding performance must have given them a sense of how to apply their philosophy in the subcontinent conditions. However, the pitches in India would not be as flat as it was in Pakistan but that experience would help in acclimatizing. 

Transition for India

The Indian team after nearly a decade is going through a major transition in Test cricket. The team management has decided to move on from Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane in the longest format which has allowed youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill to showcase their skills in Test cricket. However, this also means that England can put these youngsters under pressure and test the mettle of the Indian batting order.