England vs India 2018: Predicted result of the T20I, ODI and Test series

3. Test series

No. of matches to be played: 3

Test Rankings – England: 5; India: 1

Team India enters the Test series as the number ranked 1 side in the world in whites but everybody knows what transpired last time they were here in 2014. England is a very tough side to beat at home but they aren’t unbeatable as Pakistan proved in their recent series. India have a great chance of improving their poor record in the country and Virat Kohli knows history can be made this time.

Dissecting the squads

England: The England team is struggling at various fronts in the Tests and their long-standing issue is Alastair Cook’s opening partner. The left-hander’s form has also been indifferent but is known to bring out his best against India. Also, it will be a test of Joe Root the captain and batsman as he continues to bat at number 3. The middle-order is extremely vulnerable and with Ben Stokes set to miss the second Test, India can target it to go past them early in the series.

The bowlers though are exceptional as James Anderson and Stuart Broad still have the ability to run through the best of the batting line-ups. The former is known to have an upper hand over the opposition skipper Virat Kohli and if he continues to enjoy the same, it will be easy for England in the series. Also, the third pacer is expected to be Chris Woakes who is extremely dangerous if the ball moves in the air.

Probable England squad: Keaton Jennings, Alastair Cook, Joe Root (C), Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Dominic Bess, Mark Wood, Sam Curran, Craig Overton, Moeen Ali

India: The Indian team put on a spirited show in South Africa during the Test series but a few baffling decisions proved detrimental and the team lost the first couple of Tests. They cannot afford the same this time around as England will quickly pounce on their weakness. Ajinkya Rahane was the best batsman for India in the country last time as skipper Kohli is yet to prove himself in Tests in England. The openers will be tested against the new ball and it will be hard for them to get away with any mistake.

The bowling is looking in good shape as they took all 60 wickets in South Africa. Jasprit Bumrah is a good addition to the squad even as Bhuvi will be the key bowler for India as he loves swinging conditions. Hardik Pandya will also play a huge role as a pace bowling all-rounder and will have to prove his mettle on this tour. Also, a lot is expected of Umesh Yadav who has been in exceptional rhythm recently and their most experienced pacer Ishant Sharma.

Probable India squad: Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara, Shikhar Dhawan, Murali Vijay, Lokesh Rahul, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Umesh Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ishant Sharma, Dinesh Karthik, Wridhhiman Saha, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah

Series Prediction: The five-match series will go down the wire with the teams locked at 2-2 going into the final game and England will manage to prevail in the fifth Test match and win the series by 3-2