ENG vs IND 2018: I Do Not See India Winning The Series: Nick Compton
Credits: Getty

Former England opener Nick Compton feels India would find it tough to win the ongoing England vs India series.

All of a sudden, the tides have turned in India’s side side. The visitors were looking well out of the series after suffering two thumping defeats in the first two Tests.

They had lost the opener by 31 runs while chasing a modest 194. Then came the second game at Lord’s where India failed in every department. In the first innings, India were all out for just 107 with James Anderson taking 5 for 20. In reply, England scored a mammoth 396 for 7 to put the game beyond India’s reach. And the visitors did little to challenge England.

Trailing by a huge 289 runs, draw was the only option for India. However, it took England less than two sessions to bundle up the world number one Test side. India never looked in contention to save the game and were all out for just 130. Overall, India batted less the 83 overs in the game.

ENG vs IND 2018: I Do Not See India Winning The Series: Nick Compton
(England vs India, Credits: Getty)

But just when it looked a comeback is beyond India’s reach, the Virat Kohli-led side bounced back in style to win at Trent Bridge and keep the series alive. India were better than the hosts in every department, thus winning the game by 203 runs. The way India had dominated the contest, many feel that they can go on to win the series.

Read More  "RRR defeats KGF" - Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer outshine Virat Kohli as KKR hammer RCB in IPL 2024

While India seem to have got the momentum, there are plenty of questions gaping at the hosts. They have to sort out issues with the batting order, Injury to in-form Jonny Bairstow has only made the matters worse for them.

But despite all these factors, Compton believes winning three Tests on the trot is a tough ask for any side.

“I don’t think England are out of this series just yet and winning three Tests on the bounce here is very tough for any visiting side. There will be some good, competitive cricket in the remaining matches, but I do not see India winning the series,” Compton told PTI.

Compton also criticised England’s batting woes by singling out the top-order’s struggles. The former opener also opined that Joe Root isn’t a natural No 3 and that is creating issues.

“The top order is a mess because they haven’t got their batting order right. Joe Root isn’t a number three batsman, and he isn’t batting at his best position. He should be batting at number four and controlling the innings. He didn’t handle Jasprit Bumrah very well.

ENG vs IND 2018: I Do Not See India Winning The Series: Nick Compton
Joe Root (England vs India, Credits: Getty)

“Bumrah bowls at pace and moves the ball into batsmen, working that angle. I think someone like Root should be able to work it out better on his off stump. But the fact that Bumrah is still able to cause problems to Root says a lot about his quality,” he said.

Read More  Revealed – Who are the impact players nominated by RCB and KKR in match 10 of IPL 2024

The fourth Test gets underway on August 30 at Ageas Bowl, Southampton.

 

An avid cricket lover, I just love this game more than anything. Writing about cricket keeps me closer to the game.