England vs India 2018: Ray Illingworth Feels India Can Equalize Australia's Rare Feat

The former skipper of England, Ray Illingworth believes India captain Virat Kohli has the calibre to match the feats of Don Bradman in England.

He feels whatever the Australia skipper did in 1936-37, Virat Kohli can repeat the same performance in the UK.

Under the captaincy of Bradman, Australia was down by 0-2 in five-match Test series against England. However, they made a superb comeback to win the series by 3-2. Since then, Australia is the only team to achieve such a feat.

Speaking on Don Bradman’s 100th birth anniversary, Ray Illingworth said India could match the exploits achieved by Australia. He said it is a golden opportunity for the Indian team to catch up with one of the rarest feats in gentlemen’s game.

Earlier after facing two embarrassing defeats in Edgbaston and Lord’s, India made a superb comeback at Trent Bridge. They outclassed England in all departments and won the Test by 203 runs.

However, the heroics from Jos Buttler could not save them from suffering a defeat at the hands of Indians.

“Well, India has shown they have come here to fight. They did very well to make a comeback in the series by winning the Test match at Trent Bridge convincingly,” Illingworth told Anandabazar Patrika.

“I would say, the series is 50-50, and after the Trent Bridge win, India has a chance to do what no other team could manage to do in many many years after Don Bradman’s team in 1936-37.”

“But I would still say, both teams have equal chances. England has to pick up and improve on their performance at the Trent Bridge. India, on the other hand, would be much more confident now after their convincing victory,” Illingworth added.

Ray Illingworth on India’s slip cordon

Men in Blue were quick to address the slip woes, as they displayed a lot of discipline in Trent Bride Test. Illingworth praised India on such a quick readdressed.

“I am also very impressed with the fielding quality of this Indian team. Their slip catching has been outstanding in the Trent Bridge Test. Barring a couple of tough chances, they almost grabbed everything that came their way. This is the best Indian fielding side I have ever seen,” he said.