Rahul Dravid predicts the result of England-India Test series
Former Indian captain Rahul Dravid reckons that India will win their upcoming Test series in England. The five-match series gets underway on August 4 with the opening Test at Trent Bridge. Interestingly, India beat England at the same venue when they last met in 2018.
The Lord’s, Headingley, Kennington Oval and Old Trafford are the venues that will host the remaining four matches. Dravid pinned hopes on India despite the opposition having a power-packed bowling unit up their sleeves.
Speaking at a webinar organised by Live Aid India, a trust to help those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Dravid said:
“I really do think India have a very good chance this time. There’s no question about their [England’s] bowling. Whatever bowling attack England put on the park, especially their seam-bowling attack, is going to be fantastic. They have a lot of players to pick and choose from and that’s going to be terrific,” Dravid said.
I just think India will be well-prepared: Rahul Dravid
Dravid reckons that R Ashwin bowling well to the likes of Joe Root and Ben Stokes could augur well for the visiting team. As per the veteran, prior experience of playing in England and a strong batting lineup give India the upper hand.
“But if you look at their top six or top seven, you really think of one great batsman, a world-class batsman who is Joe Root. Obviously, Ben Stokes is another one, who is a good allrounder, but for some reason [R] Ashwin seems to do well against him.”
“But I just think India will be well-prepared, there’s a lot of belief in the squad. A couple of players have been to England a few times, there’s a lot of experience in the batting order this time around, so this is probably our best chance, maybe say 3-2 to India,” Dravid added.
Prior to the series, India are also scheduled to play in the final of the World Test Championship against New Zealand at the Rose Bowl in Southampton from June 18-22.