India begin new WTC cycle with the Test series against England minus Stokes

 

Joe Root’s England side will have revenge on their mind when they host India in a five-Test series which kicks off at Nottingham on Wednesday. England and India are both coming into this series on the back of a mauling at the hands of New Zealand in June.

England have lost four of their last five Test matches, including the series loss against the Kiwis. This is largely down to the fact that they have been following a rotation policy to keep their key players fit for other formats. However, they have now decided to abandon this formula.

“We are coming into a period of time now where rest and rotation is put behind us,” Root recently said.

“Hopefully, if everyone is fit, we are going to have our best team available for what is to follow. That’s really exciting and something I’m very much looking forward to.”

England will be without the services of Jofra Archer as he is nursing an elbow injury. Moreover, Ben Stokes has decided to take a break for the wellbeing of his mental health.

India suffered a disappointing loss in the WTC final after enduring a tough test season against Australia and England earlier this year. Clutch performances by newcomers to the Test side such as Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar has carried India over the last 9 months or so.

However, the lack of runs being scored by Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane is worrying as the trio have carried the burden of the batting side of things in the longest format of the game for half a decade.

“The idea from here on will be to try to score runs and not worry about getting out in testing conditions,” Kohli said of the challenge ahead.

“That’s the only way you can score and put the opposition under pressure, otherwise you’re just literally standing there hoping that you don’t get out and eventually you will…”

Opener Shubman Gill, all-rounder Washington Sundar and pace bowler Avesh Khan have returned home with injuries even before the start of the series.