England Tour Holds a Lot of Importance for Us: Shikhar Dhawan

The year 2018 could well make or further deteriorate India’s overseas reputation in Test cricket. The team has endured a torrid time in Tests outside the subcontinent of late.

In the past, India were whitewashed in England and Australia in addition to losing series in New Zealand and South Africa.

However, the way Virat Kohli & Co. performed in the last couple of years, speculations were high that the team would finally do well outside of Asia.

India had won nine consecutive series under captain Kohli to strengthen its grip on the top of ICC’s Test rankings. But the team started 2018 on a similar note, losing in South Africa 2-1.

All eyes are now on the upcoming gruelling tour of England. And opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan is confident the visiting team would do well in the five-Test series in the United Kingdom (UK).

“The tour of England holds a lot of importance for us. We will try hard and create history there this time. Last time when we went there, we won the ODI series and it was after 25 years. This time we will try and create history by winning the Test series,” he told India TV.

India lost the last two Test series in England by 4-0 and 3-1. Kohliand his men, however, have a good chance of turning the table this time around.

England have been in poor form for quite some time now. They lost the Ashes, the series in New Zealand and currently trail 1-0 to Pakistan in a two-match Test series.

Dhawan, meanwhile, has a terrific record in limited-overs format in England. He finished the last two editions of the Champions Trophy held in England as the highest-run getter.

The aggressive southpaw Shikhar Dhawan said that he would try to replicate his performances in Tests as well.

“It’s good that I have been able to score in England. I will try and score runs this time too in the Test series,” he said.