Andy Flower, Legendary Zimbabwean batter and the former coach of the England cricket team believes that India is the overwhelming favorite to win the upcoming five-match Test series against England. The series is set to commence in Hyderabad on January 25. Andy Flower can be seen doing multiple stints with franchise cricket across the globe.
Flower was the coach when England last won a Test series in India during the 2012-13 season. However, in the subsequent two tours to India, England faced comprehensive defeats, losing 1-3 and 0-4, respectively. Since the 2012-13 series, India has maintained an unbeaten record on home soil in the subsequent 16 Test series.
I am not making a prediction but….- Andy Flower
In an interview with Hindustan Times, Andy Flower shared his insights on the upcoming Test series and cautioned England about the Indian pacers. Flower said,
“I am not making a prediction, but I would be surprised if England beat India in India. They are an outstanding and confident side in their own conditions, very well coached by Rahul Dravid. India has an outstanding attack. We talk a lot about their spinners, but their seamers are outstanding too and we must not underplay the danger they hold,”
Andy Flower expressed the opinion that while India is the favorite to win the series, Joe Root is likely to play spin the best among the batters from both teams in the five Tests.
“I would say Root would be the most successful in India. I love his game and he is a very important guy for England. In the Indian batting line-up, I am not sure. I will reserve my judgment”
Joe Root has an impressive record against India in Tests, averaging 63.15 with nine centuries in 25 games. Additionally, he has performed well in Indian conditions, boasting an average of 50.10 in 10 matches.
It has surprised me– Andy Flower on the success of Bazball
Andy Flower expressed surprise at the success of England’s Test side under the leadership of Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum since mid-2022. The team has adopted a high-risk approach that has resulted in positive outcomes, remaining unbeaten in the last six Test series, with four wins and two draws. Flower said,
“It has surprised me. It’s been great to watch. Even when I was involved with Australia during the last Ashes, I felt it was really interesting cricket. There’s a lot happening quite quickly. It’s going to be fascinating to watch the very interesting tussle between India’s class bowlers – both spinners and seamers — and the English batting line-up that is going to attack. I’m looking forward to it,”
England, under the leadership of Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, have won 13 out of 18 Tests, following the Bazball theory of attacking the bowling at all times.