We Have A Great Opportunity To Win The Series, Says Anil Kumble
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Former India skipper Anil Kumble believes the current Indian side has the potential to win the upcoming series in England.
The last two tours have been absolute shambolic for the Indian side. In 2011, India had gone to England as world number one Test side. However, the ranking and reputation made little difference as England inflicted a humiliating 4-0 whitewash upon MS Dhoni-led side.
Three years later, the margin of the defeat decreased but there was no end to India’s misery as England thrashed them 3-1.
However, many feel India can finally arrest their poor record in England this time around. England have had looked far from convincing in recent times under skipper Joe Root. They lost the Ashes 4-0 before suffering a 1-0 defeat in New Zealand.
In the recently-concluded series, Pakistan had almost put them on the verge of another series defeat before they managed to draw the series at Headingley.
On the other hand, India have looked quite unstoppable in Tests under Virat Kohli’s captaincy. Currently sitting on top of the ICC’s Test rankings, Kohli and his men have won nine out of their last 10 Test series. In the last couple of years, India has defeated the likes of Australia, South Africa, England and New Zealand.
And with the team going through such a good phase, Kumble feels the Kohli-led side can do well in England.
“We have a great side and an all-round side. In bowling we have the experience and bowlers who can take 20 wickets consistently. If you look at the batting line-up, it has a lot of experience as well,” he said at a recent event.
He said the squad had the best spinners in the world, adding, playing in the second half of the summer would help the Indians.
“On average, all the players have played close to 50 Tests. That adds a lot of value and its not the first time that they are touring England. They have all been there before and they are familiar with the conditions,” said Kumble who was a part of the side that had won a Test series in England in 2006.
“We have the best spinners in the world and even in terms of conditions the fact that we are playing in the second-half will help our cause. We have a great opportunity to win the series. We shouldn’t have a problem operating with Duke ball,” he added.
The bowling legend further opined that wrist spinners would certainly play an important part in England this time.
“Wrist spinners will certainly be a handful. They will certainly play an important part in England since this time we are touring in the second half. The wicket will have its wear and tear and the wrist spinners will come into the game much earlier than the first half of the summer,” he added.
India will play three Tests, three ODIs and five Tests in England.
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