England vs India: Bradd Hogg would be ‘surprised’ if Rohit Sharma thrives in the upcoming Test series

The Indian red ball team will be eager to perform well against the five-match Test series against England which will mark the beginning of the second cycle of the World Test Championship especially after the disappointment of the World Test Championship final where India lost against Kiwis on the reserve day.

There were several reasons responsible for India’s defeat and one such reason being no Indian batsman scored 50 runs in both innings whereas Skipper Kane Williamson scored a half-century in the second innings to ensure a  victory against India.

Former Australian skipper Brad Hogg talks about Indian opener Rohit Sharma who scored 34 and 30 runs in both innings of WTC final to struggle against English speedsters including the likes of James Anderson, Stuart Broad, and Ollie Pope.

He added that Sharma’s record outside India in Test cricket is not so good as per his standard and if he does well in the upcoming five-match test series it will be quite surprising.

“He Rohit Sharma is in India, he averages 79 (in Tests). But when he goes away, he only averages 27. Then we go to England, it even gets worse – it’s just 24. I think he is going to have a few issues against the likes of Broad and Anderson, especially opening the batting against the Duke ball. I will be very surprised if he has a big impact in this series,” Hogg said on his YouTube channel.

“We all know how good he (Rohit) is and this has been one of the kryptonite in his game at Test level, performing away from India. England probably for an Indian batsman, has the hardest conditions to adjust to. He has had plenty of time over there so if he is going to do it, it has got to be this time. I think this will define him as a Test cricketer,” he added.

A career average of over 46 after 39 Tests speaks volumes of Rohit’s prowess. However, this average drops down drastically when he plays overseas (27.27). Nevertheless, the ‘Hitman’ would be determined to impress his numbers in the upcoming games.