Former England captain Michael Vaughan has backed India to win the ongoing fifth Test match against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The visitors are in a commanding position as they have a lead of 257 runs at the end of the day’s three play.
India was 125-3 with Cheteshwar Pujara batting solidly on 50 while dangerous Rishabh Pant is unbeaten on 30 runs at stumps on Day three. The tourists still have seven wickets in hand and if they can add another 150 runs, they will be in a shoo-in position.
Meanwhile, England had recently chased down around 300 against New Zealand in the last two Test matches but Edgbaston’s pitch is more difficult. Furthermore, India’s bowling attack is more confident as they had skittled out England at 284 runs in the first innings. Only Jonny Bairstow had got amongst the runs in the first innings whereas the rest of the batters failed to show resistance.
With still two days left in the Test match, India will look to clinch the series by 3-1. India had last won a series in England back in 2007 when Rahul Dravid had led the team to a 1-0 win in three-match series.
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Michael Vaughan said: “A 257-run lead is a long way now for England to go and chase. India gets another 150 and it’s 400, which I think it will be, there is odd bounce, spin will come into play and that might be when Shami gets his reward.”
Vaughan heaped praise on Pujara, who batted in a traditional way to help his team strengthen their position in the Test match. Pujara wore out England bowlers as he faced 139 balls on day three and added 50 runs with Rishabh Pant.
“Scoring 50 off 140-odd deliveries in conditions that are not easy is absolutely what we need. You need to have a player with a little bit of stability about the way they are playing. That allows Pant and Iyer to come out and play in an expansive fashion.
“Give me a Pujara in my Test team any day of the week. As much as you are scared of Pant, Pujara is the kind of glue that every single team needs to frustrate and wear down the bowlers.”
Vaughan reckons there will be movement on offer in the first 25 overs and the Indian bowlers will certainly do the damage.
“I think the four seamers will do some damage inside the first 25 overs. There will certainly be movement there. This is the difference from playing against New Zealand to what they are playing against India.
“I feel the tactics have not been quite right in the field. A few of the old traits have returned when they are facing real quality. I see nothing but an India win.”
