IND vs ENG Match Preview
There is some uncertainty about the surface with both coaches saying that it will definitely take turn but perhaps not immediately so. Outside observers insist that the pitch will turn from the get-go and everything else is just bogus.
We think stacking your team with spinners is a no-brainer. You must pick Ashwin, Jadeja, and whoever India's third spinner is. From England, Jack Leach is the biggest threat and has had some success in Indian conditions in the past. We would not venture into the untried England spinners yet especially when you can have Joe Root to cover your bases a bit.
Picking the batters is a bit trickier but we are looking at the record against spin once more. Shreyas Iyer, Ben Foakes, and Yashasvi Jaiswal stand out as players who can make a big impact with the bat even on surfaces that are a bit tough.
With the few remaining slots, one or two risks can be taken.
Weather Report
The weather forecast is absolutely perfect. Clear skies, sun out, and the temperatures not too extreme. There will be no interruptions in play because of the weather.
Pitch Report
The pitch is perhaps the most important piece of the puzzle. We think it will turn from the first day on but will not be unplayable by any means. Batters will be able to score quickly and take the game on for the first day or two. After that the game will accelerate rapidly and become more in favor of the spinners.
Notable stats
India: Almost Unbeatable At Home
India has lost just one out of the previous 14 Tests it has played against England at home. It has also not lost a series since 2012. The dominance of Ashwin, Jadeja, and a potent seam attack are clear reasons why India is so hard to beat in its own conditions.
Team News
Virat Kohli and Harry Brook are unavailable for selection. England has named Jonny Bairstow as the number 5 batter and will play Ben Foakes as the keeper.
IND vs ENG Probable 11
IND Playing 11
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shubman Gill
- KL Rahul
- Shreyas Iyer
- Ravindra Jadeja
- KS Bharat (Wk)
- R Ashwin
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammad Siraj
ENG Playing 11
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Jonny Bairstow
- Ben Stokes (C)
- Ben Foakes (Wk)
- Rehan Ahmed
- Tom Hartley
- Mark Wood
- Jack Leach
Dream11 Prediction
We think the match will be interesting with England trying some new tactics but India is the team to back in this contest. History shows that funky tactics have not worked too well in India and we don't expect anything different this time around. India to win.
Top Picks
Ashwin+ Jadeja: Close your eyes and pick these two players as the first on your team. They will be very highly owned but there is just no way you cannot afford to not have them in your team. Capable of picking fifers and scoring centuries.
Joe Root: The lynchpin of the English batting. He has had a bit of quiet time and is struggling for runs but his record in Test cricket over the last few years is phenomenal. He will also be the one player they look at to chip in with wickets.
Jasprit Bumrah: Among the spinners, do not forget someone like Bumrah who can provide valuable breakthroughs and utilize reverse swing.
IND vs ENG Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: B Foakes
Batters: R Sharma, S Iyer, Z Crawley, Y Jaiswal
All-rounders: R Jadeja (C), R Ashwin (VC), J Root
Bowlers: J Bumrah, K Yadav, J Leach
