India’s former domestic giant Wasim Jaffer feels Team India is well prepared for the upcoming Test series against England. India had landed in England on June 3 for the World Test Championship and they had a good time to prepare for the five-match Test series.
The visitors would have got acclimatised to the English conditions and they will look to hit the ground running in the first Test match. Furthermore, the visitors played a three-day warm-up match against County Select XI at Durham and it would have helped them in getting used to the conditions.
Meanwhile, earlier it has been noticed that Indian team hasn’t got a lot of time to prepare for the conditions in the previous tours and the same has been palpable in their performance. However, the team has received a lot of time to get used to the conditions and they should be able to do well in the series.
Wasim Jaffer said while talking on his YouTube Channel, “Same way, I feel India team is well prepared now. They have been in England for a long time and have enough practice under their belt compared to England.”
On the other hand, a lot of England players have been playing in the Hundred, which Jaffer feels isn’t the right preparation for the Test matches.
“Lots of England players have been playing in the Hundred leading up to the series. So I feel they will be short of red-ball practice coming into this Test, which will go in favor of the Indian team. England also suffered a huge setback with Ben Stokes taking an indefinite break due to mental health issues. He will be missing. He is a very key part of this England team, not just as a batter but as an all-rounder he gives crucial breakthroughs with the ball at different stages of the game,” said Wasim Jaffer.
Meanwhile, England doesn’t have a lot of experience in their batting unit and they will also be missing the services of experienced Ben Stokes. Thus, a lot will depend on players like Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler.
“Collectively, it is a huge setback for England, as they rely a lot on Joe Root and Ben Stokes. The other players aren’t that experienced as far as international cricket is concerned. I think this will go in favor of the Indian team,” added Jaffer
The first Test between India and England will take place at Trent Bridge, Nottingham on August 4.
