India would've won 3-1 had the series finished last year, but now they are undercooked: Moeen Ali

India are all set to face England in the rescheduled fifth Test match of the Pataudi Trophy at Edgbaston in Birmingham starting July 1. With no recent updates on Rohit Sharma’s recovery, and KL Rahul being out of the series owing to his injury, England all-rounder Moeen Ali feels former India skipper Virat Kohli should take charge as the series is a very crucial one for both the teams.

India faced a big blow when skipper Rohit Sharma tested positive for Covid-19, which sparked concerns over the team’s captaincy. Sharma played the warm-up game against Leicestershire but did not come out to bat in the second innings as the news of him contracting the virus came out soon.

“Because Virat was the captain earlier in the last series, I would give it (captaincy) to him for this one game. But it is obviously his call if he wants to take it or not. He is probably relaxed and happy, his mind is probably settled with not being the Test captain. He’s got the experience, and to be honest with you, this is a big series for India,” Moeen was quoted as saying by India Today.

I feel the way England has played, I think India might be slightly undercooked: Moeen

The Ben Stokes-led English team is in great form as they defeated the reigning World Test Champions New Zealand by 3-0 in the recently concluded series at home. England had been going through a rough patch in their past few games before they met the Kiwis and changed the course of their game. Looking at their current form, Moeen feels that his side has the upper hand in the upcoming Test.

“If this series was finished last year, India would have won 3-1, but now, I feel the way England has played, I think India might be slightly undercooked, due to the lack of cricket in England. If England comes out the way they have played in the last few games, England will be the favorites,” he added.

India are leading the series 2-1 and will be looking to either win the game or end it in a draw so as to keep the result in their favour. On the other hand, the refurbished English team will look to carry their momentum and win the final Test to level the series.