England on Tightrope in India: Graeme Smith Warns Hosts “Tough to Catch” if They Seize Control

England’s quest for Test glory in India faces a major hurdle after Graeme Smith, the Director of Cricket for South Africa, issued a stark warning. Smith, highlighting India’s dominance at home, believes that if the hosts manage to “get their noses ahead,” it will be challenging for England to claw back.

India’s Fortress: A Formidable Challenge:

Currently trailing 2-1 in the five-match series, England’s hopes hang by a thread. Smith, acknowledging the talent England possesses, emphasizes the psychological shift India has undergone. “They seem to have taken away the fear,” he remarks, crediting the positive approach instilled by the new leadership. However, he warns that England shouldn’t underestimate the difficulty of winning in India’s backyard.

Smith emphasizes the importance of mental fortitude and maintaining the current game plan for England. He recognizes the demanding nature of playing in India’s heat and the potential for fatigue to set in. He urges England to “stay mentally fresh” and avoid losing focus, as India historically becomes even more formidable when leading a series.

“Staying mentally fresh, positive, and within your gameplan is important. England have done that well so far and need to hang tough for as long as possible, because if India get their noses ahead then they’ll be very difficult to chase down,” he added.

Winning Away: The Mark of Greatness:

Smith delves deeper, stating that true greatness lies in winning away from home. He cites iconic teams like the West Indies of the 70s-80s and the Australian juggernaut of the 90s-2000s as prime examples. He acknowledges the recent successes of India, Australia, and even England on foreign soil, but reiterates that sustained away-series wins define true dominance.

With the fourth Test starting in Ranchi, England has a crucial opportunity to level the series. Smith’s words serve as a reminder of the immense challenge they face, but also the potential reward that awaits if they can overcome it.

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