Picture Credit: Twitter
After thrashing World Test champions New Zealand in a three-match Test series, England will cross swords with India in a one-off fifth and final Test match, starting from July 1 in Birmingham. Under the leadership of Ben Stokes, England showcases an aggressive form of cricket and dominated the Kiwis throughout the series.
The Three Lions won the third and final Test match against New Zealand on Monday and clinched the series 3-0. Speaking ahead of India versus England Test match, former England spinner Graeme Swann hailed England's renewed brand of cricket under new skipper Ben Stokes and new head coach Brandon McCullum and further claimed that the hosts will have a slight edge over India.
In a virtual interaction, facilitated by Sony Sports, the official broadcasters of the India-England series, Swann said, "England are in a very good position and I would say they are slight favourites because of that series (against New Zealand). India had just one warm-up game in England, so they are coming in cold (for) the Test match, which is a bit of a disadvantage."
Adding further, Graeme Swann stated that it's not a good time to take on England as they have three comprehensive wins under their belt, which automatically makes them favourites. “It is a really bad time to play England because they just won these three games against New Zealand," he added. The former spinner also mentioned that Joe Root is in his absolute best form, Olive Pope is playing his best-ever cricket for England and lauded Ben Stokes for reviving the team in an ultra-positive and rock and roll fashion.
"The opening batting slot is still very weak. But nearly all the other spots had excellent (returns). Even the spinner Jack Leach, who is under a lot of pressure, has got 10 wickets in a match,” explained Graeme Swann. The fifth Test is from last year’s incomplete series against England which got rescheduled due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in the Indian camp.