IPL Superstardom Of Players Will Benefit England - Steven Finn Ahead Of Test Series In India

Former England seamer Steven Finn suggested that Indian fans may support a few English players in the upcoming five-match Test series. Steven Finn highlighted that the IPL superstardom of some English players could benefit the England team in the red-ball series.

England are set to face India in a challenging series starting on January 25, with the opening Test scheduled in Hyderabad. The Ben Stokes-led team are expected to encounter difficulties against the spinners. Notably, India have not lost a home Test series in the past decade.

England, led by Alastair Cook, were the last team to secure a Test series victory in India in 2012. James Anderson and Joe Root are the only current squad members who were part of that winning series. Notably, they secured only one win in their last nine Tests in India.

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People Weren’t Really Superstars In India In 2012 – Steven Finn

Steven Finn noted that, unlike the 2012 team, many players in the current squad have played in the IPL and achieved superstar status. He emphasized that the IPL superstardom of certain English players could work to England’s advantage.

“I think the IPL superstardom of some of the players will count to England’s benefit. Kevin Pietersen aside, that 2012 team, people weren’t really superstars in India, whereas you have quite a few guys this time going over who have played in the IPL and are superstars in that. I think that will count,” Finn said as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

Finn played a key role in England’s remarkable series win against India in 2012. The former pacer represented England in 36 Tests, 61 ODIs, and 21 T20Is, taking 125, 102, and 27 wickets, respectively. He announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in August 2023.

That’s A Huge Benefit To You – Steven Finn

The 34-year-old reflected on England’s strategies for gaining crowd support during his playing days on tours to India, Australia, and South Africa.

“The three most memorable tours I went on, India 2012, Australia 2010-11 and South Africa 2016, all three of them, one of the motivations for us was to try and get the opposition public on side and turn them against their own team. That’s a huge benefit to you, and having Stokes and McCullum at the helm gives England an opportunity to do that,” Finn added.

Play Well And Give A Good Account Of Themselves – Steven Finn

Steven Finn suggested that playing well and presenting themselves positively could gradually turn the tide in their favor. He noted the potential for the Indian cricket team’s performance to influence the public’s perception and support.

“If they play well and give a good account of themselves, as the series goes on that tide can turn, because we know how polarising the Indian cricket team can be to their public depending on how they are playing,” Finn further added.

Under the leadership of Ben Stokes, England have displayed an aggressive approach in Test cricket. England have maintained an impressive record, having never lost a Test series during Stokes’ captaincy. They secured victories in 13 of their last 18 red-ball matches.

Also read: England Fast Bowler Steven Finn Announces Retirement From All Forms Of Cricket