The India vs. England Test series started on a thrilling note. From the first match of the five-match Test series, both teams are trying hard to be on the winning side. But in the first match, Team India faced hard luck. They lost the match by 28 runs. With this win, England is leading the series by 1-0. But Former England captain Nasser Hussain labels India as favorites but warns hosts of Ben Stokes and Co.’s consistency since the beginning of Bazball.
India’s Defeat:
After a lengthy hiatus, Team India and England clashed in a five-match Test series on Indian grounds, kicking off in Hyderabad. In the first Test, Ben Stokes‘ team, led by Ollie Pope’s remarkable 196, set a challenging target of 231 for India. Despite contributions from Rehan Ahmed and debutant Tom Hartley, India’s batting lineup, which had been aggressive in the first innings, unexpectedly turned defensive in the second innings. They were all out for 202 runs in 69.2 overs.
This change in approach favored England on Day 4 due to the slow pitch and the pressure of the chase. Debutant Tom Hartley impressed with a five-wicket haul, ending with figures of 7/62. Joe Root and Jack Leach also contributed with a wicket each as England started their 2024 Test tour with a victory.
Star batsman Ollie Pope showcased his talent with a remarkable innings of 196, surpassing expectations. Debutant Tom Hartley redeemed himself with an outstanding bowling performance in his first match, taking seven crucial wickets in India’s second-innings collapse. England, supported by Hussain, introduced Bazball in Hyderabad and emerged victorious in the first Test.
Nasser Hussain’s Thoughts:
After England won the series by 28 runs. They are leading the series by 1-0. After England won the first Test match of the five-match Test series, former English skipper Nasser Hussain talked about this. He said, “What I like about them is their stubbornness. If you doubt them, they’ll double down on it and go even more stubborn. I think that is a good thing because if you’re constantly listening to all the noise, all that’s written and said, you flicker from one theory to another. The present regime knows what they want. They’re going to stick with that and even when they’re behind, they will back the cricketers to turn it around. They have shown they are a side not to be messed with.”
Before starting the Test series, ‘Bazball’ turned out to be a big thing. A lot of buzz was created over that matter. On this topic, Hossain said, “India will probably rue their first innings. They got 436 but actually, they could have got a lot more if not for some sloppy dismissals. They will come back. They are a very fine side and history tells you it will be tough for England here. But it is a wake-up call for India as England have shown Bazball can work in these conditions.”
India’s Bounce Back Chances:
As India gears up to face England in the 2nd Test in Visakhapatnam on Friday, Hussain believes that India is poised for a comeback in the upcoming match. He said, “India will probably rue their first innings. They got 436 but actually, they could have got a lot more if not for some sloppy dismissals. They will come back. They are a very fine side and history tells you it will be tough for England here. But it is a wake-up call for India as England have shown Bazball can work in these conditions.”
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