Former West Indies speedster and current commentator Michael Holding has backed India to win Test series against England apart from the first one being drawn due to rain.
According to him, India has all the ingredients in their armory to win Test series after 2007 as they won in 2007 under the leadership of Rahul Dravid.
He further stressed that the touring party has got familiar with English conditions having spent more than two months now staying in the country.
“India started the series as favourites, and they remain favourites. India should win the series handsomely. I find no reason why India cannot win the series. They have already acclimatised with the conditions [the team have been in the UK since June for the WTC final]. They should concentrate on playing without worrying about the result. They have a well-balanced side of young and experienced cricketers,” Holding said while speaking to Mid-Day.
The Caribbean speedster is highly impressed with the pace bowling lineup of India who is playing against England in the ongoing series including the likes of Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Mohammad Shiraj, and Shardul Thakur. He said that the Indian pacer will take advantage of the English conditions.
“India are looking good with Jasprit Bumrah returning to form. Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj look promising. Mohammed Shami is an experienced campaigner. I am sure the Indian pacers will be able to utilise the English conditions well,” he added. The cricketer-turned commentator also felt that there is a lot of burden on Joe Root in the absence of Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer.
India and England are currently playing five-match Test series which marks the resumption of the second cycle of the World Test Championship as the first test match is in a draw which was held in Nottingham and the second one will be played at Lords on 12th August 2021.
