Former England skipper Michael Atherton Sees Opportunity for England to Capitalize on the 1-0 Series Lead Against a Depleted Indian Team. Following a historic overseas victory in Hyderabad, Ben Stokes and his team aim to capitalize on their early momentum in the series.
England have an excellent chance of building on their lead- Michael Atherton
India finds themselves in a challenging situation, missing key players like Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and KL Rahul for the upcoming Visakhapatnam Test. The team’s current form struggles present a significant opportunity for England to potentially secure a commanding lead in the ongoing five-match series.
“England have moved from heavy second favorites to a situation where it would be a disappointment now if they did not win the series. Such an outcome, so unexpected and so unbelievable given where both teams were in the first innings, must have a huge psychological impact, especially given the quick turnaround and the injuries to two of India’s key players, Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul. England have an excellent chance of building on their lead,” Michael Atherton wrote in his column for The Times.
“India are not only 1-0 down but are faced with rare uncertainty over the shape and balance of their team. Suddenly, it looks full of potential weaknesses. He [Jadeja] has a fine record as an all-rounder – the differential in batting and bowling averages places him in the highest rank – and that balances the team beautifully,” Michael Atherton added.
England faces a spin bowling challenge with Jack Leach sidelined due to a knee injury for the second Test. Debutant Shoaib Bashir gets a chance, and James Anderson replaces Mark Wood in the lineup, adding experience to the fast-bowling department.
India’s response was to produce ever more spiteful surfaces– Michael Atherton on England’s previous tour to India
England secured a 1-0 lead during their previous tour to India, propelled by Joe Root’s impressive double-century on an unexpected Chepauk pitch. However, the surface later exposed its true nature as a spinner-friendly track in the subsequent match.
The pattern continued in Ahmedabad, leading to India’s successful comeback and clinching a 3-1 series victory, securing a spot in the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) final.
Atherton believes that if India uses comparable tactics, England can handle the situation and prevent a recurrence.
“After England went 1-0 up last time in Chennai in 2021, India’s response was to produce ever more spiteful surfaces, although this England team will not be so fearful should a similar response come this time,” Michael Atherton added.
The second test of the fifth match series will start on Feb 2 in Vishakhapatnam.