Cricket

IND vs ENG 2024: England are now series favorites against India – Michael Atherton

Former England skipper Michael Atherton feels the Ben Stokes-led team are now series favorites against India. England won the opening Test match by 28 runs at Hyderabad to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match Test series.

The visitors had their backs against the wall as they conceded a huge lead of 190 runs in the first innings but Ollie Pope played a knock for the ages as he smashed a fine innings of 196 runs. The tourists took a lead of 230 runs and then skittled out India for 202 to register a memorable win.

Tom Hartley, the debutant, bagged a total of nine wickets in the match, including seven in the second innings to play a key role in the historic win.

“England have moved from heavy second favourites to a situation where it would be a disappointment now if they did not win the series,” Atherton wrote in his column for the Times.

On the other hand, India is without the services of Mohammad Shami and Virat Kohli. Furthermore, the hosts suffered a double injury blow as KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja were ruled out of the second Test. Atherton reckons England has a golden opportunity to build on their lead in the absence of key Indian players.

“Such an outcome, so unexpected and so unbelievable given where both teams were on first innings, must have a huge psychological impact, especially given the quick turnaround and the injuries to two of India’s key players, Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul. England have an excellent chance of building on their lead,” Atherton wrote.

The former England opener feels India deeply missed the services of Virat Kohli, who is known to give his absolute best in all aspects of the game.

“How significant Kohli’s absence was became apparent during the first Test, given how badly they missed his appetite for big runs, his safe catching at slip, his ability to withstand pressure and his passionate attitude in the field,” Atherton said.

“Rohit Sharma is a captain in a very different mould from his predecessor [Kohli] — at once more laid-back, albeit not quite so passive as MS Dhoni. As England began to get ahead in Hyderabad, Kohli’s electric presence in the field, as much as anything, was missed. It would not have been hard to imagine the way he would have tried to whip up the crowd and the way his energy would have been transmitted to others,” Atherton concluded.

India is batting first after winning the toss at Vizag.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

“Never expected a very easy run” – Gautam Gambhir reflects on his tenure as coach after IND vs NZ 2024 Test series defeat

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that he never expected a very easy run… Read More

October 31, 2024

Probably has a lot to do with playing on flat wickets in T20 – Gautam Gambhir on decline of good defensive technique in Test cricket

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir feels T20 cricket has led to the downfall of a… Read More

October 31, 2024

India needs Mumbai Test win before Australia tour – Gautam Gambhir

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir feels the Rohit Sharma-led team desperately needs to win the… Read More

October 31, 2024

I cannot say just the batters have let us down – Gautam Gambhir feels everyone should take responsibility for series loss against New Zealand

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to blame the batters after the team’s 2-0 series… Read More

October 31, 2024

It was insane – Bronny James after scoring his first NBA bucket

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James was on cloud nine after he managed to score… Read More

October 31, 2024

I’m happy with my team’s performance: Mohun Bagan SG head coach Jose Molina after win against Hyderabad FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina was delighted with the team’s performance after… Read More

October 31, 2024