England Facing Ultimate Challenge Against India

However, if the summer follows the trend of the opening match of the tour, then England could see themselves on the end of three defeats in each individual series.

England’s worries are founded in their struggles against India on their last tour of the country at the end of 2016. Alastair Cook and his side were hammered as Virat Kohli and his team put them to the sword with relative ease. The manner of the defeat paved the way for Cook’s exit as captain of the Test match team, with Joe Root assuming the responsibility. Root already has a heavy loss in the Ashes on his CV last winter, while his side were also defeated by New Zealand on tour. Pakistan managed to secure a series draw earlier in the five-day format in the summer, putting huge pressure on England to muster a response against Kohli and company.

The spin of Yadav caused them problems in their opening T20 contest as Alex Hales, Jonny Bairstow, Root and Morgan were all deceived by his leg-spin. Seaming conditions have also played a role in England’s high-profile losses as Hasan Ali was the architect of their downfall against Pakistan. Another defeat due to the moving ball would damage England’s claim to be the favourite for the 2019 World Cup heading into the tournament next year. The Three Lions have to prove a point and will be determined to come at the India spinners. The series in India was extremely close, although the home side edged it 2-1, and it would not be a surprise to see a similar scoreline in the favour of either team such is the quality on display.

The Test series is arguably more important for England. Their form in the five-day format has taken a nosedive under the tenure of Trevor Bayliss in stark contrast to their 50-over game. The Three Lions’ home form has been their saving grace, although Pakistan put them under severe pressure to maintain their unbeaten record since 2014. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were England’s downfall in India and could well expose them once again. A defeat on home soil for Root would put his captaincy under the spotlight, while Bayliss’ position would be close to untenable in the Test arena. The summer will be a defining one for the Three Lions in their position in world cricket.