IND vs ENG: The biggest Test series of the year is just a few days away from now. India will be hosting England for the five-match Test series at their home. The series will begin on 25th January in Hyderabad and will be played over 5 different venues till March.
IND vs ENG: Three opening combinations that India can try for the England Test series
India have announced their squad for the first two IND vs ENG Tests. Their dominance at home has been exceptional and they would be hoping to continue the same in the upcoming series. It could also be a make-or-break series for some of the players.
As the Test series between India and England is just a few days away from now, we take a look at three opening combinations that India can try in the Test series:
Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal
Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal will be the first-choice openers for the team in the IND vs ENG series. After the World Test Championship Final, India has opened with them in Test cricket. They have been successful but struggled in South African conditions. However, at home, they could be threatening. Their being at the top allows the team to have a left-right combination as well.
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill
Another opening combination that India can try for the IND vs ENG series is of skipper Rohit Sharma and young Shubman Gill. The youngster has been batting at No.3 in Teats but he didn’t have good outings there. Therefore to bring the best out of him, the team can make him open along with Rohit in the series. The duo has earlier opened in the Tests for India and they have complimented each other well. Therefore it won’t be a surprise if they open with Jaiswal at No.3.
Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul
KL Rahul could also be asked to open the innings alongside Rohit Sharma in the IND vs ENG series. Rahul has been picked in the series as a keeper. But team management reportedly has told BCCI that they will be playing him as a batter in the middle order. He has been in great form but the problem arises if he won’t keep wickets then where will he bat? The middle order is packed with Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and the keeper. Therefore to accommodate him, he might be asked to open. He has a great record as an opener and might play in the place of Jaiswal or Gill at the top.
IND vs ENG: Full schedule of India vs England Test series
Here’s the schedule for the IND vs ENG Test series:
1st Test: India v England, 25-29 January, Hyderabad
2nd Test: India v England, 2-6 February, Vizag
3rd Test: India v England, 15-19 February, Rajkot
4th Test: India v England, 23-27 February, Ranchi
5th Test: India v England, 7-11 March, Dharamsala