England vs India 2021: The More Intense The Match Is, The More Likely They Are To Step Up - Kevin Pietersen Lauds Team India

Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen has stated that the Indian cricket team is quickly developing into one of the best ever in the Test format. He also believes the tougher a situation gets, the stronger the response from Virat Kohli’s men.

India is on the brink of winning a Test series in England for the first time since 2007. They lead the 5-match Test series by 2-1 going into the fifth and final Test match in Manchester. The Indian contingent has already won their last two tours of Australia and winning here establishes their credential as one of the best, as per Pietersen.

“This team is becoming one of the best we’ve seen in the Test match format. If they can get the job done at Old Trafford then they will have beaten Australia and England away in the last 12 years – a historic achievement. They are a much better side than England, that’s for sure,” he said.

Much of the credit goes to the way Indian pace bowlers have flourished under Kohli. It has been the key component in so many overseas wins and will continue to be as long the quality of fast bowlers produced stays up.

“In all departments, India are a quality side. They’ve got excellent, talented players, but are also hard-working and play with such intensity that they are very difficult to stop when they are at their best.”Led by Virat Kohli, they love playing and performing on the biggest stage. It seems that the more intense the match is, the more likely they are to step up and take it away from the opposition. That is a culture that Kohli is responsible for,” Pietersen added.

“It’s going to take a long time to undo the damage” – Kevin Pietersen

Pietersen played a vital role in the English team when they beat India in India back in 2012. India hasn’t lost at home since after recovering fully. As for England, a loss will take a long time to repair considering how flawed the system is, according to Kevin Pietersen.

“It’s difficult to know what more to say about this England side. The batting, in particular, is about the worst that it’s ever been, and they have failed to win either of their two summer series for the first time in 20 years. This has not happened overnight. Unfortunately, you cannot expect these guys to deliver when the system is so flawed. It’s been coming, and we’re now seeing the results. It’s going to take a long time to undo the damage,” he added.

The final Test begins at Old Trafford, Manchester on September 10, Friday. A win will establish Kohli’s credential as India’s best captain, if it wasn’t already.

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