ENG Vs IND 2018: Indians Will Have to Cope Up With the Swing - Phil Defreitas

Former England fast bowler Phil Defreitas believes Indian cricket team have to cope up with the swing conditions to be successful in the upcoming five-match Test series against England.

Meanwhile, the much-awaited series opener starts from August 1 at Edgbaston. However, Defreitas believes it is the teamwork that will make the difference in the impending India-England Test series.

The current Lancashire coach feels that Indians will feel at home with pitches very dry. England has been witnessing one of the host summers this year.

“It’s very hot here in England and wickets are very dry. I think it will suit India and they will feel at home. Normally, when India come over to England they get a bit of chill and rains. They are used to these conditions and it would be like playing in India,” Phil Defreitas said to TOI.

Defreitas believes that reverse swing with play a role. England introduces James Anderson in their ranks, who is currently the greatest exponent of reverse swing bowling. Defreitas feels both Anderson and Stuart Broad will be key for England and knows how to utilise these conditions.

“Jimmy is coming back from injury and he has played a few games. Hopefully, he is fit. I am keeping my fingers crossed that Anderson will play all five Tests and so is Broad. Both are quality bowlers and they know how to utilize the conditions here,” he added.

Despite criticising Adil Rashid’s selection, Defreitas hopes he continues his form in the red-ball cricket. He also rated India spin attack more superior than that of England.

Kohli will score runs in England

The 52-year-old former seamer Phil Defreitas feels Indian captain Virat Kohli is a world-class player and has scored runs all over the world. Although Kohli has struggled in England in 2014, he expects Kohli to score runs this time around.

“Virat Kohli didn’t have great series last time but since then he has scored runs all around the world. He is such a world class player. He would know himself that he needs to score here. He must have worked very hard on his technique combating the swinging ball. I personally expect him to score runs in these conditions,” he concluded.