India has truly been a compelling force to reckon with, particularly when it comes to making merry in their own conditions in the longest format of the game. Over the years, they have reigned supreme in Tests, and winning 18 consecutive Test series at home since 2013 is a testament to this reality. Their most recent feat was bringing up the fastest team 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 in the history of Test cricket in the final Test of the recently concluded series against Bangladesh.
During a recent conversation, former World Cup-winning skipper of England, Eoin Morgan, elaborated on why India was one of the finest sides when it came to making the most out of their own conditions.
“They (India) have to be considered one of the greatest in their own conditions. What makes them so good is their hunger and the desire to want to win. Their attitude towards that they never take for granted. We come from countries that have huge advantages for the home side. But yet, our records over the course of generations are nowhere near as good as Indians,” stated Morgan during an event, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
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A big part of that series will lie in the balance of the fitness of Nathan Lyon: Morgan
Morgan also tipped the Indians to hold the edge during the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, provided they play Australia’s ace spinner, Nathan Lyon, with the same dynamism they attacked the Bangladeshi attack in the recent Test in Kanpur.
“If they go to Australia and play in that manner, a big part of that series will lie in the balance on the fitness of Nathan Lyon and how they play him. If they take that mindset into playing Nathan Lyon like that, it asks a lot of questions of Australia,” added Morgan.
Over the years, India has significantly improved their track record on away soil. The previous two BGTs (2018-19 and 2020-21) were won by them against a full-strength Australian unit, who were the favorites on both occasions.