India vs England – 1st Test Match Preview & Prediction
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THE FACTS
When is India vs England on and what time does it start? India vs England will take place on Thursday 25th January, 2024 – 04:00 (UK)
Where is India vs England taking place? India vs England will take place at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
What channel is India vs England on in the UK? India vs England will be televised in the UK live on TNT Sports
Where can I stream India vs England in the UK? TNT Sports subscribers in the UK can stream India vs England live via discovery+.
THE LOWDOWN
INDIA
India’s proud unbeaten series record in Test cricket at home goes all the way back to December 2012 when Alastair Cook’s England defeated them by two games to one. Since then, no team has been able to beat India on their own patch across a Test series. However, captain Rohit Sharma will have to cope without his best batter and former skipper Virat Kohli for both this match and the second Test after he pulled out for personal reasons. With that in mind, young top-order stars Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal will need to step up and make the most important contributions of their young career so far. As always, the spin of both Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin will be crucial.
ENGLAND
England’s ‘Bazball’ style of play should produce fireworks in India. It feels like they are set for either a glorious triumph or a glorious failure and no in-between. Ben Stokes returns to lead his side after undergoing knee surgery at the end of the Cricket World Cup and his bowling may be required for this first Test with Mark Wood the sole pace bowler to be selected. Harry Brook’s withdrawal is a huge blow, piling the pressure on Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root among others to contribute heavily with the bat. Root in particular will be so important when considering his record in the subcontinent and he could be just as key with the ball. Lancashire spin-bowler Tom Hartley is set for a Test debut and youngster Shoaib Bashir will join the squad at the weekend after finally being granted a visa to travel.
THE PREDICTION
Despite the excitement of England’s care-free approach to batting and the array of stars young and old within the Indian top order, a low scoring contest is expected on what will surely be a pitch that spins dramatically following a few sessions of wear and tear. The fact that both teams are set to play at least three spinners tells you everything you need to know about the direction this match is set to go in. However, the key is that India’s players are more adept at batting on surfaces that potentially turn sideways, whilst their bowling attack is more experienced and proven than that of their opponents. Therefore, back India to gain victory in the opening Test.
BETTING TIP: INDIA TO WIN
