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India vs England First Test Tips - Bazball versus spin tracks loading

By Siddhu Bharadwaj

24 Jan 2024

Siddhu Bharadwaj 24 Jan 2024

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India vs England First Test predictions to be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad from Thursday, January 25
India have won 16 of their last 20 home Tests
England have lost 7 of their last 8 away Tests against India

Can Rohit Sharma lead India to a win over a tricky England side confident of Bazball technique? (Getty Images)

India vs England First Test

The exciting Bazball meets the unbeatable spin wagon as India host England in a five-match Test series. The first of the matches will be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad from Thursday 25th January.

India vs England First Test
Head to Head
India Form
India Team News
England Form
England Team News

There’s no doubt that this is a big test of credentials for both teams. The last time India lost a home Test series was to England. Although they have been unconquerable ever since, the unconventional Bazball aggression poses a big threat to their dominance. Yet, it could be India who may start with an advantage thanks to their three spin threats. I am backing India to win this match.

India have won 16 of their last 20 home matches (Tests)
India have won their last 4 matches at this venue (Tests)
England have lost 7 of their last 8 matches away from home against India (Tests)
Ravichandran Ashwin has taken at least 7 wickets in each of his last 4 home matches against England (Tests)

Head to Head

India and England have played each other in 131 Tests so far with India winning 31, England winning 50 and the remaining 50 ending in a draw.

When playing in India, the record is 22-14 in favour of India in 64 matches, with the remaining 28 matches ending in a draw. The last time these sides played was in a five-match series played in England in 2021-22 where the series ended 2-2 after the last Test was deferred.

India Form

India are coming from the South African tour where they drew the two-match series 1-1. After losing the first match badly, they bounced back on a treacherous pitch to win the second.

It will be a strong home form that greets India as they have won 16 of their last 20 home matches. Yet, there will be wary faces in the Indian camp as the last time they lost a home series was to England.

There will also be some nervous glances over the absence of Virat Kohli, as the star batter takes leave of absence due to personal reasons.

India Team News

Rajat Patidar has been added to the squad in place of Kohli, but it will be Shubman Gill who will be in the playing XI. India could go with their three frontline spinners plus Bumrah and Siraj.

England Form

England were last seen in the Tests in the Ashes in June – July 2023 when they drew the five-match series 2-2. They lost the Ashes after consecutive losses in the first two matches but bounced back immediately.

It will be a test of Bazball tactics because the aggressive batting technique has worked to their advantage in swinging conditions and flat batting tracks.

The challenge is amplified by the fact that they didn’t have a proper warm-up match before the series.

England Team News

Harry Brook has left the squad due to personal reasons and that leaves a place in the middle-order. England announced their XI, leaving James Anderson out while handing a debut to Tom Hartley. He joins Rehan Ahmed and Jack Leach as the spinners while only Mark Wood is the regular pacer in the playing XI.

India vs England First Test FAQs

Where can I watch the India vs England First Test live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the India vs England First Test live stream.

What time does India vs England First Test start?

This India vs England First Test will be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad from January 25, Thursday starting at 9:30am IST.

Verdict

It is tough to anticipate how Bazball will play out in Indian conditions. Playing India on spin tracks has challenged many teams, especially those which are light on spin options. That could come back to haunt England and I am backing India to start the series with a victory.