'That will be the defining thing in the end' - Michael Atherton expects India to outsmart England with spin

In a compelling prediction, former England skipper Michael Atherton has endorsed India as the favoured victors in the upcoming five-match Test series on home turf. Atherton, now a cricket commentator, cited the inferiority of England's spinners compared to India's formidable quartet – Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav. India boast an impressive record, having clinched 16 consecutive Test series at home since their 2012 defeat to England.

Notably, the hosts secured 4-0 and 3-1 victories over England in 2016-17 and 2020-21, respectively. In the previous series, Ashwin and Patel starred with 32 and 27 wickets, respectively. Ashwin, nearing the milestone of 500 Test wickets, has a remarkable tally of 88 wickets in 19 Tests against England. The series will commence at Hyderabad's Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on January 25, setting the stage for an enthralling battle between the two cricketing giants.

“I think India will win. Their spinners are better than England’s, and that will be the defining thing in the end. If you go to India, spin will play a big part. It historically has done, and I suspect it always will do. India do have a very strong seam attack as well,” Atherton told Skysports.

Three England spinners are inexperienced: Atherton

For those unfamiliar, Jack Leach showcased his bowling prowess by securing 18 wickets across four Tests during England's previous series in India. Eager to extend his impact, Leach aspires to maintain his stellar performance in the upcoming five-match Test series. In a noteworthy mention, Rehan Ahmed claimed seven wickets in a single Test during England's 2022-23 tour of Pakistan.

However, Tom Hartley and Shoaib Bashir are yet to make their Test debuts. Michael Atherton opined that while England boast a skilled left-arm spinner in Jack Leach, the remaining trio of spinners lacks the requisite experience for the challenge ahead.

“England have a solid left-arm spinner in Jack Leach and then three very inexperienced spinners after that with Tom Hartley, Shoaib Bashir and Rehan Ahmed. It will be a particular challenge for them but the selectors see a high ceiling for them,” Atherton added.