ENG v IND 2018: Rahul Dravid Predicts a 2-1 Series Victory for India

It was Rahul Dravid who led India to a famous series victory in England back in 2007. Since then, India had lost seven out of the nine Tests they have played in the country.

The visitors were in complete control of proceedings for the major part of the series back in 2007. They survived with a draw in the 1^st Test.

However, they bounced back strongly and thrashed England in the 2^nd Test at Trent Bridge. The team India were in a position to win even the 3^rd Test. But Dravid didn’t enforce the follow-on which eventually say the game ending in a draw.

Speaking to BBC 5 Live Sport, Dravid is optimistic about the fact that India can replicate their performances from the 2007 series this time around.

He reflected on several things which India need to do to emerge victorious in the eagerly anticipated series.

The key would be to take 20 wickets says Rahul Dravid 

“One of the big things is how quickly you adapt to the conditions,” he said. “When we won here in 2007, it was a three-match Test series, and we couldn’t afford to start badly, you had to hit the ground running hard. In a five-match series, you have a little bit more time.”

He further stated the key for the visitors would be to bag 20 wickets on a consistent basis. It will be important for the bowlers to remain fit through the course of the series.

“I do think the Indian team has a good chance here, but the key would be to take 20 wickets,” Dravid said. “I have no doubt that we will score runs at some stage but the key is to keep our fast bowlers fit. We have got a good crop of young pacers, but it’s five Test matches in six weeks.

“When we won here in 2007, the same bowling lineup played in all three matches, and we were lucky that nobody got injured and that made a big difference. If we get our best bowling lineup on the park for at least four of the five games, we will give ourselves a good chance.”

The former skipper had toured England four times since 1996. He had enjoyed a lot of success in the UK as well.

Rahul Dravid smashed three centuries on his last tour in 2011. However, India was thrashed by a 4-0 margin.

When asked to predict the scoreline of the five-match Test series, starting August 1st, Rahul said 2-1 in favour of the visitors.

“I have to say India, I will say India 2-1,” the former skipper predicted.