India Are Raging Favorites; England Can Spring A Surprise Or Two: David Lloyd And Nasser Hussain Predict The Outcome Of India-England Series

Former England batsman-turned commentator David Lloyd believes that the Virat Kohli-led Team India is’ raging favorites’ in the upcoming four-match Test series against England while former skipper Nasser Hussain feels that the Joe Root-led visitors can spring a surprise or two as they are on an upward curve given their recent performances on foreign soil.

Writing for the Daily Mail, Nasser Hussain, and David Lloyd penned their thoughts on the four-match Test series, which starts in Chennai later this week [February 05].

David Lloyd reckoned that India are firm favorites to win the Test rubber but he believes that given the fact that England are coming off a 2-0 win over Sri Lanka in similar conditions, the visitors are better prepared to take on the juggernaut that is Team India in their den.

“India are raging favorites, but it will be good for England to be underdogs. It will help them to have had two matches in Sri Lanka in what you’d think will be similar conditions. If I’m putting my two bob anywhere it’s on India,” wrote David Lloyd.

Nasser Hussain, on the other hand, believes that England under the leadership of Joe Root and Chris Silverwood are an improved unit away from home and they have the ability to spring a surprise or two. He, however, asserted that playing in India and Australia remains England’s biggest challenge and that the visitors need to start well.

“England have got a chance, absolutely, the way they’re playing. The brand and style of cricket Joe Root and Chris Silverwood have put together has made them much better away from home. But, make no mistake, this and Australia away are the two hardest challenges for an England side. They will need to start well,” observed Hussain.

Nasser Hussain and David Lloyd on the impact on Team India due to Ravindra Jadeja’s absence in the Test series

Nasser Hussain further added that Ravindra Jadeja’s injury is a massive blow for Team India. Jadeja has been near unplayable in Indian conditions ever since he made his debut against Australia in 2013, and given the fact that he knows the conditions in Chennai so well, Hussain believes that it is a massive blow for the home side.

He also added that Virat Kohli will be keen to prove his leadership credentials given the fact that everyone is talking about Ajinkya Rahane’s captaincy post the triumph in Australia.