IND v ENG, 1st Test Preview: Rajkot set to host first encounter; India begin as favorites

Rajkot, the venue that will host the first IND v ENG encounter is also set to host its first ever Test match. While the previous series saw the Indians take on New Zealand in the first ever Test match at the Holkar Stadium in Indore, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), as well as the International Cricket Council (ICC), are all set to add the Saurashtra Cricket Association as Test venue #23 in India.

One certainly wonders why this has not already happened given the specifications the venue has not been added yet. Especially given space shuttle-shaped commentary box and the bell (similar to the Lord’s Cricket Ground), it is quite a surprise that the SCA has been given Test match status only now.

However, in spite of all this, many will eagerly await the start of the encounter, especially for the fact that this is the first Test both these sides will be playing against each other in almost two years. Moreover, this also includes the fact that this is the start of an arduous and exhausting IND v ENG five-match Test series, something that is a rarity in Indian cricket in recent times.

Team Analysis

India

Coming off a 3-0 whitewash win against New Zealand, the confidence within the Indian team could not be higher. Virat Kohli’s men have not conceded a series yet this season and coach Anil Kumble still boast of a record that has little or no blemish yet. However, as Kumble stated in an interview previously, the Indians would underestimate the Brits at their own peril.

However, while this would be lingering on the minds of the Indians, there have been some shocking changes in the side. In terms of selection, the newly-appointed selection committee has certainly stamped its authority. Of course, they were hampered by recent injuries and such, but the selection of the likes of Karun Nair and Hardik Pandya only shows that they have one eye on the future.

However, as far as Kumble will be concerned, it will be a case of making as few changes as possible in the overall context of the team. He isn’t one to tweak the nucleus of the side that significantly similar side that clinched the series against New Zealand is expected to play. Ishant Sharma, who has recovered from his predicament is ready to play and will be joined by Gautam Gambhir in the starting XI.

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England

Touring India, especially after a disastrous series against Bangladesh would have been the last thing Alastair Cook would have wanted. However, there is no turning back now as the 31-year old England skipper and his men now face a mighty challenge when it comes to playing against the Indians. Moreover, no one, beyond any given shout of a doubt has given the Brits any chance whatsoever.

With the Bangladesh loss still fresh in their mind, the fact of the matter will be that they will have to pick their playing XI quite carefully. Ben Duckett is expected to keep his place in the side ahead of the rest of the players while the likes of Moeen Ali and Adil Rasheed are expected to take part in the encounter at Rajkot.

There will be a conundrum when they would have to pick Gareth Batty or Zafar Ansari in the side. It is highly likely that the former is picked given his experience in the Test match level. Stuart Broad will lead the bowling attack ahead of James Anderson who is injured and unavailable.

Also read – 5 reasons why England won’t be able to repeat the series win of 2012 against India

Probable XI:

India:

Virat Kohli (C), Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Gautam Gambhir, Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hardik Pandya, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammad Shami, Ishant Sharma

England:

Alastair Cook (C), Jonny Bairstow (wk),Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Gary Ballance, Moeen Ali, Ben Stokes, Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Zafar Ansari/Gareth Batty

Match starts at 9:30 IST

Telecast on Star Sports 1, 1HD, 3, 3HD

StAttack:

1. Stuart Broad requires 4 wickets to complete 50 wickets against India in Test matches.

2. The last three Test series between these two nations, England has won all three. This includes the 2-1 win over the Indians in the subcontinent in 2012.

3. Cheteshwar Pujara requires 145 runs to complete 3000 Test runs. Murali Vijay also requires 177 runs to complete the same milestone.

4. Ravindra Jadeja requires 15 wickets to complete 100 Test match wickets. Moeen Ali, on the other hand, requires 12 wickets to complete the same.

5. Although the Indians are yet to play a Test at this venue, this is a happy hunting ground for England. They played the first ever ODI ever played at Rajkot and beat the Indians by 9 runs. The Indians, on the other hand, have never won an ODI here. However, they did beat Australia in the only T20I played here.

Also read – History of the India-England Test rivalry