Hyderabad is set to witness the opening clash between India and England in the five-match Test series during the latter’s tour of the country. The Men in Blue, after a three-year hiatus, are hosting the Three Lions for this format, with their last encounter on Indian soil resulting in a 3-1 victory for the host nation in early 2021.
India’s formidable dominance at home over the last 12 years faces a unique test as Rohit Sharma’s side prepares to take on a trend-defying England in the inaugural match of what promises to be an enthralling five-Test series starting on Thursday. Since their 1-2 defeat against Alastair Cook’s Three Lions in 2012, India has been unparalleled at home, securing 16 successive series wins, including seven series sweeps. Breaking down the stats further reveals that out of the 44 Tests played on home turf during this phase, India has only lost three, showcasing a dominance surpassing even the formidable West Indies of the ‘80s and the turn-of-the-century Australian team. India will be without Virat Kohli for the first two Tests, with the batter withdrawing due to undisclosed personal reasons. In Kohli’s absence, the team is expected to bring in Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer into the top and middle order, aiming to replicate the impact Kohli has exerted over the team for years.
This series also marks India’s final international cricket outing before the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup 2024. After its conclusion in early March, both teams will head to their respective camps to participate in the latest edition of the Indian Premier League, expected to commence in late March and continue until the end of May.
In the history of bilateral Test series between India and England, 35 have been played, with India winning 11, losing 19, and five ending in a draw. Notably, England has struggled on Indian soil, winning only 14 out of the 64 Test matches played between the two teams in India, while India secured victory in 22 matches, and 28 ended in a draw.
Contrary to expectations, the pitch at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is anticipated to favor fast bowlers rather than spinners. Additionally, it is expected to be a batting-friendly surface, conducive to high scores. In the last Test match held at the venue in 2018 between India and West Indies, both teams posted 300+ scores in their respective first innings, with Umesh Yadav earning the Player of the match award for his remarkable performance with six wickets in the first innings and four in the second. The cricket enthusiasts await an exciting showdown between two formidable teams in the upcoming Test series.
Sunil Yash Kalra is a women’s cricket historian and founder of Indian Sports Fans.