Rahul Dravid predicts 3-2 for Indian win in England series
Stokes versus Ashwin a subplot for the series, Dravid said.
Former Indian batting legend Rahul Dravid predicts a 3-2 scoreline for India in the five test match England series which would be played after World Test Championship (WTC) Final.
Dravid who is one of the few players who have scored over 10,000 runs in both, Test and ODI format, shared his thoughts in a webinar organized by Live Aid India, trust which helps those who affected by COVID-19. Excerpts from the conversation were first reported on the ESPNcricinfo website.
According to Dravid, who was the last Indian captain to win a Test series in England, in 2007, opined that this series is a very good chance for India to win another series in against England in England.
“I really do think India has a very good chance this time,” Dravid said.
Dravid said England’s pace battery is top class and has many options at their disposal makes it a good contest.
“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.”
“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,” Dravid said on England’s batting lineup.
Hinting towards the battle between wars, Dravid said Ben Stokes against Ravichandran Ashwin will be an interesting one for the series. He said, “Obviously, Ben Stokes is another one, who is a good all-rounder, but for some reason, Ashwin seems to do well against him. And that should be an interesting contest. I know he’s done well against him (Stokes) in India, but it’ll still be an interesting subplot to the series.”
He also explained India is in a good position to win because of the good past performances in Australia.
“… But I just think India will be well-prepared, have the confidence from Australia, there’s 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. I think India will play really well in England this time.” Dravid said.
Dravid also pointed out the advantage this time around with ample preparation time India has after WTC final.
“It’s a great opportunity we’ve got. After the WTC final, they’re going to be in England for a whole month before the Test series starts. I don’t think any team has had that kind of time to prepare for a Test series as India will have this time so that surely should be a great advantage.”
Lastly, Dravid gave some tips from his rich experience.
“In England, if there’s one thing you’ve always got to respect, it’s the conditions. It’s slightly different from say an Australia or India.
“To some extent, you sort of get the feeling (as batsmen) that you’re never set. Even if you’re set and you get a good start, batting on 30, 40, 50, things can change very quickly, the weather can change, the ball can swing even after it’s 40-50 oversold.”
WTC is scheduled to play between 18 to 22 June with 23 being a reserve day. The England series will start on August 4.