ENG vs IND: India Will Be A Tougher Challenge For England: Kevin Pietersen
The much-awaited final Test, which will take place in Birmingham, will pit hosts England against India and begin on Friday (July 1). Team India is ahead 2-1 in the five-Test series after abandoning it after a COVID-19 outbreak in their camp last year.
Ben Stokes served as captain as England recently defeated New Zealand 3-0 and stunned everyone with their aggressive play. The Indians, who appear to be a superior team to New Zealand, will be the opposition for Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow, who are in top form.
The Indians have been playing a good style of red-ball cricket in recent years, and former England captain Kevin Pietersen thinks the Rohit Sharma-led team would present a tougher test to the opposition.
India Is Packed With The Best Players On The Planet: Kevin Pietersen
“I certainly expect England to face a tougher test against India, who are packed full of the best players on the planet”, Pietersen wrote in his column for Betway.
The former English swashbuckler noted that the visitors wouldn’t be bothered by the swinging conditions, highlighting the potency of India’s bowling lineup. The powerful right-handed batsman, who has helped England win multiple games with his commanding displays, also advised English hitters to be on the lookout for India’s all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and pace king Jasprit Bumrah.
“India’s bowlers might not mind so much that England are going to come out swinging at them. Ravi Jadeja is an excellent spinner when people start getting after him and you can be sure that Jasprit Bumrah will see it as an opportunity, too.”
“England bowled well against New Zealand, but a batting order featuring Rohit Sharma (who will hopefully be available), Che Pujara, Virat Kohli, and so on is a different kettle of fish,” Pietersen further added.
Rohit Sharma is expected to miss the Test.
