'They are coming in cold' - Graeme Swann highlights India's lack of preparation ahead of rescheduled Test

The Indian team will square up against a resurgent England side in the rescheduled fifth Test at Edgbaston, starting on July 1. Former England spinner Graeme Swann stated that the hosts will be favourites heading into the all-important Test as India have got just one warm-up game under their belt before the match.

England recently completed a clean sweep against New Zealand in a three-match Test series and are looking a completely different side to the one India faced last year. Under the new regime of ‘Baz and Ben,’ the English outfit have played a fearless brand of cricket which is likely to cause the visitors a few headaches.

On the other hand, the Indian team is coming into the series finale, having played just a single warm-up game. Graeme Swann believes that the visitors are at a disadvantage because of their lack of game time in comparison to England, who will be favourites heading into the match.

“England are in a very good position and I would say they are slight favourites because of that series (against New Zealand). And the fact that India just had one (warm-up) game in England, so they are coming in cold (for) the Test match, which is a bit of disadvantage. They (England) have got the three-Test matches under their belt, so that makes them pre-game favourites,” Swann said to Sony Sports.

Graeme Swann warns India ahead of the fifth Test

The offie also highlighted the form of former skipper Joe Root and Ollie Pope, who played a vital role for the hosts against New Zealand in the recently concluded series. Swann admitted that there are some weaknesses in the England team, notably the opening pairing, but they are an ever-improving side and will be tough to beat. He also praised the left-arm spinner Jack Leach who was under scrutiny for some time now.

“You are going to face an England team where Joe Root is back to his absolute best, where Olive Pope is playing his best-ever for England. There are chinks in the armor – the opening batting slot is still very weak. But nearly all the other spots had excellent (returns). Even the spinner Jack Leach, who is under a lot of pressure, has got ten wickets in a match,” added Swann.