We Are Going To India With Our Eyes Open - England Coach Chris Silverwood

Head coach of the England cricket team, Chris Silverwood identifies the challenge that awaits in India against Virat Kohli’s side. India will host England for a full-fledged tour comprising of 4 Tests, 5 T20Is, and 3 ODIs – the Test series commences on 5th February in Chennai.

During a virtual press conference from Sri Lanka, where England have won the series, Chris Silverwood lauded the Indian team’s close to the unbeatable form in the home conditions; India hasn’t lost a Test series at home – in fact, just lost a solitary Test – since the loss to England in 2012.

“We are going there with our eyes open. We know it is going to be a tough challenge. We know they are an excellent team, especially in their own conditions, and we respect that. But I think it is an exciting challenge. We are in a good place. We are constantly growing. But we completely respect how big a challenge it is,” Chris Silverwood said as quoted by PTI.

I think we can beat them: Chris Silverwood

Chris Silverwood is in awe of Team India’s comeback series victory in Australia – after being bowled out for 36 in the first Test, India won the series – and acknowledges that it’s going to be difficult to overcome the Virat Kohli-led outfit in their own backyard.

However, Chris Silverwood, the former England pacer, is confident of his side will challenge the host nose to nose after their thumping whitewash over Sri Lanka – England have won 4 series on a trot. Skipper, Joe Root scored 426 runs in two Test in Sri Lanka, while spinners Dom Bess and Jack Leach picked 22 wickets combined in the series.

“The one thing Australia has shown is India will be a difficult team to beat. It’s a great challenge for us. Do I think we can beat them? Yes. I always take the positive side of things. I think we can beat them, but we know it’s going to be a hard-fought contest. If we come out on top of this one, confidence again will go through the roof for us. I respect the fact they are a fine side with some really good players. We’re going to have to be at the top of our game,” the head coach added.

England have rested Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, and Mark Wood from the first couple of Tests in Chennai owing to their rotation policy in order to keep the players fresh for a busy schedule in 2021 –  Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes, and Rory Burns return to the side after being rested for the Sri Lanka series.

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