VVS Laxman : In overseas matches, first innings runs setup victories

VVS Laxman : In overseas matches, first innings runs setup victories

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Presenting his views on India's five-match Test series against England, former Indian cricketer VVS Laxman has stated that the batsmen will have to focus on making runs in the first innings as those are the runs that set up victories. Today is the first day of the series opener at Edgbaston.

Recently, England has not distinctly been a successful Test team, even on their home ground. England's clash against Australia in the last Ashes led to Australia's 4-0 victory. In the Test series against Pakistan, England only managed to level the series 1-1. As a matter of fact, England have only won 10 matches out of their last 30 Tests, at a time when everyone and their pet dog wins Tests at home. And therefore this comes as the best opportunity for India to seal their first series win in England after a gap of 10 years.

With resources at disposal, Indian skipper Virat Kohli will be eyeing to conquer English in the Test series. VVS Laxman is of the opinion that the batsmen will need to concentrate on making runs in the first innings as it sets up a firm ground for victory.

“It will be important for the batsmen to make the most of their knowledge of the conditions to put up a big score in the first innings because, especially overseas, it is the first innings runs that set up victories,” said Laxman.

Despite mentioning that Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah will be missed in the first Test, Laxman seemed content with the bowling line-up of India. Further, he stated that as the batsmen playing in the test has previous experiences of playing on English ground, they will be better equipped against England's challenges.

“The bowling unit has variety and depth. Of course, Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be missed, as will Jasprit Bumrah for the first Test at least, but because there are so many quality pacers to pick from, it makes the task of the team management somewhat easier,” said Laxman.

“There is plenty of experience in the batting group. Almost everyone has played Test cricket in England previously, too. That is a huge plus. In 2014, most of the batsmen were on their first tour of England. Having already played there, they are in a much better space now, and better equipped to respond to the myriad challenges England will throw up,” he added.

Laxman agrees with the fact that the Indian team has all the necessary resources to overtake England. However, he believes that Shikhar Dhawan will serve a consequential part in team and India should stick to him.

“India must stick with Shikhar Dhawan for the first Test. Without getting a big one, he looked in very good touch in the limited overs games, and made a hundred in the first session of the game in his last Test appearance, against Afghanistan,” he said.

“Virat Kohli will believe he has the resources at his disposal to put it past England in the five-Test series starting on Wednesday. I am of the same opinion; this is a fantastic opportunity to build on the gains of South Africa and continue the team’s evolution as a serious travelling force,” Laxman added.

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