ENG vs IND: England Are Favourites Against India - Graeme Swann

Following the three-Test series against New Zealand, England will play India, and former off-spinner Graeme Swann thinks this will give the hosts a tiny advantage in the postponed fifth Test, which begins in Birmingham on Friday.

After winning the third and final Test by seven wickets on Monday, England defeated New Zealand 3-0 in the series.

England Has An Advantage Because They Have Played Three Tests Recently: Graeme Swann

England are in a very good position and I would say they are slight favourites because of that series (against New Zealand),” Swann said in virtual interaction, on by Sony Sports. T

“The fact that India just had one (warm-up) game in England, so they are coming in cold (for) the Test match, which is a bit of a disadvantage. They (England) have got the three-Test matches under their belt, so that makes them pre-game favourites.

It is a real bad time to play England because they just played these three games against New Zealand. You are going to face an England team where Joe Root is back to his absolute best, where Ollie Pope is playing his best-ever for England. Ben Stokes has amalgamated the team and got playing in an ultra-positive and rock and roll fashion. There are chinks in the armour – the opening batting slot is still very weak. But nearly all the other spots had excellent returns. Even the spinner Jack Leach, who is under a lot of pressure, has got 10 wickets in a match,” explained Swann.

Swann further said that Root and Stokes will be important players for England going into the last game, “it is quite simple for England, it will be Joe Root and Ben Stokes, if they continue their form, their sort of ethos, England will do well. Stokes is leading from the front and he is a natural leader. Joe Root is thriving and batting at his absolute best,” he said.

Also Read: ENG VS NZ: Updated ICC World Test Championship Points Table After England vs New Zealand 3rd Test