The Indian team is currently touring England and is set to begin a five-match Test series from June 20. Ahead of the series, several former cricketers have made predictions. Former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn, former Australian opener Matthew Hayden, and India’s Sanjay Manjrekar and Deep Dasgupta have all shared their views. Most believe that England has the upper hand, but India will pose a tough challenge. Hayden suggested that if India manages to win the matches in Headingley, Leeds and Manchester, they will have a strong chance of winning the series. Meanwhile, Steyn predicted a 3-2 series win for the hosts.
This series also marks the beginning of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for both teams. The first match will begin on Friday in Leeds. England will be without their most experienced pacers, James Anderson and Stuart Broad, both of whom have retired from international cricket. These two bowlers had troubled India in past tours. Their absence could be a boost for India. In addition, several key English pacers are injured. Mark Wood has been ruled out of at least the first three Tests due to injury, Jofra Archer is unavailable for the initial matches, and Gus Atkinson is recovering from a hamstring strain.
However, India also faces challenges. Senior players like Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli have retired from Test cricket. Veteran fast bowler Mohammed Shami is missing the tour due to injury. As a result, a young Indian squad, led by Shubman Gill, is touring England, marking the start of a new era.
Speaking to JioCinema, Hayden said, “I don’t think England’s bowling attack is that strong. Many are injured, and some have retired. That’s going to be their biggest challenge. The Tests in Northern England will be crucial. If India wins those, they have a real shot at taking the series.”
Steyn backed England to win but acknowledged India’s fight. “India’s team is young. I believe England will win the series, but it won’t be easy. India can win one or two Tests. All matches will be competitive, and I expect every game to produce a result. I predict a 3-2 win for England,” he said.
Former Indian cricketers Deep Dasgupta and Sanjay Manjrekar also picked England as the favourites but expect a close contest. Dasgupta said, “India has a young team with a young captain. The team is in transition, which gives England a slight advantage. Playing at home is another bonus for England, but it will be a tightly fought series. I also think England will win 3-2.”
Manjrekar added, “I believe England are better placed to win the series. They are playing at home, and the Indian team is undergoing transition, so I feel England might take the series.”
After the opening Test in Leeds, the second Test will be played in Birmingham from July 2, the third at Lord’s from July 10, the fourth in Manchester from July 23, and the fifth at The Oval in London from July 31.