IND vs ENG LIVE: India vs England 5th Test Live: Team India is all set for a crunch Test against England at Edgbaston. India may lead 2-1 in the series and are looking to seal the series after 15 years but India face a more difficult challenge. With more than 10 months gone after the series was postponed, a lot of things have changed in both the camps. While Kohli and Root are no longer the leaders of their side, a new look England has presented some serious challenges. Follow All India tour of England LIVE Updates and Scores on InsideSport.IN.
- India face England with Jaspirit Bumrah likely to lead the side on Friday
- Ben Stokes will lead England, having taken over the captaincy from Joe Root
- Both teams also have new coaching staff since the 2021 Test series
IND vs ENG LIVE: India lead 2-1 but 5 NEW THREATS from England can DERAIL Team India’s series win HOPES: Check OUT
With India aiming to seal the series with a draw of a win and England looking at a must-win situation, InsideSport takes a look at 5 new threats that Team India have to overcome.
Joe Root playing without captaincy burden:
The former England captain, Joe Root has enjoyed his time in the middle in the recent period. Root scored back-to-back hundreds in the recently concluded Test series against New Zealand. Root was unfortunate to have missed out on a hundred in the third Test as he scored 86.
Since the 2021 series, Root is no longer the captain of the side which has helped him grow. Despite a 0-4 Ashes defeat, Root was England’s best player in the series. He will present India with a new headache as he looks rejuvenated and was named ‘Player of the Series’ against the Kiwis.
Brendon McCullum’s Bazball:
It might be hard to ignore the impact of England’s Test team head coach Brendon McCullum. In his first series as England’s Test coach, McCullum has completely revolutionized the team that had lost 0-4 in the Ashes. The former New Zealand skipper’s impact could be underlined by England’s 3-0 series win against his fellow country.
Under his guidance, England played an attacking brand of cricket. With Jonny Bairstow firing from all cylinders, England chased down 299 in just 50 overs to hand England a famous win.
New Zealand were the World Test Championship (WTC) holders when they travelled to England. However, McCullum has done more than expected and brought unity, which has resulted in team performing at astonishing heights. India can’t underestimate his impact and will have to be careful.
Captain Cool Ben Stokes:
Ben Stokes is another player who needs some attention from the Indian camp as he too has excelled in recent times. Two fifties in the New Zealand series and playing the finishers job, Stokes has been a revolution since he took over as the skipper of the side.
If there were any questions about Stokes’ captaincy before the New Zealand series, there shouldn’t be any now. Stokes scored 194 runs in the New Zealand series and played the anchor’s role as Joe Root took the center stage. With the ability to bowl as well, Bumrah and Co will need to come up with a definite plan if they are to win the series.
IND vs ENG LIVE: India lead 2-1 but 5 NEW THREATS from England can DERAIL Team India’s series win HOPES: Check OUT
Jonny Bairstow-
Two hundreds, one fifty and a rejuvenated Jonny Bairstow can be the biggest asset England can have in the Edgbaston Test. Like Root and Stokes, the middle-order batter has once again shined and this was highlighted by his performance against New Zealand.
Bairstow led from the front and was destructive whenever he was presented with the opportunity. He remained unbeaten on 71 in the second innings of the third Test after scoring a 162-run knock in the first innings.
IND vs ENG LIVE: India lead 2-1 but 5 NEW THREATS from England can DERAIL Team India’s series win HOPES: Check OUT
England in Dream form-
As a force and rejuvenated by the form of star players England as a team will be a big mountain to climb for the Indian team. Joe Root, Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow may have been principle contributors, but the impact of veteran stars like James Anderson and Jack Leach has also helped England stay firm on their chances of winning the Edgbaston Test.
With England in dream form under the leadership of Stokes, they will be a tough nut to crack and will posses India a big threat.
IND vs ENG LIVE: India lead 2-1 but 5 NEW THREATS from England can DERAIL Team India’s series win HOPES: Check OUT
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