India tour is going to be tough for England, says Jonty Rhodes

Back in 2012, the England cricket team under the leadership of Alastair Cook shocked India in their own backyard by winning the three-match Test series 2-1. But, according to former Proteas batsman Jonty Rhodes, the visitors will struggle this time in Indian conditions.

"It's going to be tough for England. Being in India for five Tests is going to be physically and mentally very demanding because you are in a situation where conditions are not comfortable to you and it puts you under a bit more pressure," Rhodes told PTI on Friday.

"If you are in a three Test series, you kind of can get in and get out but it is going to be tough in a five-match series," he added.

Rhodes, who is in India as a mentor of Indian Junior Players League (IJPL) T20 tournament, felt that it is unfair to criticize T20 cricket since the shorter format of the game has improved the technical abilities of the players.

“People were critical of T20 cricket, saying that it is not real cricket but it brings young players who are the future generation of your Test teams. It makes Virat Kohlis. Limited overs players have done well and made name for themselves and T20 cricket has helped them convert into very good Test players,” Rhodes said.

"What T20 cricket has done is that there is no longer a case between bat and ball. The skill level of players have improved tremendously. Players are playing shots all around the ground. Bowlers now have to adapt," he explained.

The 47-year-old, who has been working with IPL side Mumbai Indians also said that cricket is no longer a batsman's game due to the advent of T20 cricket.

"I don't think it's just a batters game. I have seen enough T20 cricket in my time to know that if you have good enough skills you can be successful,” Rhodes said.

Speaking about fielding skills, the South African said, "In our time, I was the number one fielder because there was no number 2 or 3 but now you have got youngsters throwing themselves around. So the standard of the game has certainly improved and T20 cricket has done that.”

England will play five Tests against India, starting with the first match in Rajkot from November 9. The long tour will also feature three ODIs and as many T20 Internationals.