Former England captain and commentator Michael Vaughan on Tuesday (August 3) said the all-rounder Ben Stokes’ absence would make things difficult for the hosts ahead of the five-match Test series opener against India on Wednesday (August 4) at Trent Bridge.
Stokes recently announced that he'll be taking an indefinite break from cricket; citing mental health issues and Vaughan said it will be difficult for England to balance the side without their star all-rounder in the upcoming five-match Test series against Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team.
While pointing out England’s home Test series 1-0 loss to New Zealand in June, Vaughan has predicted that India will win the upcoming series with a 3-1 margin against Joe Root and his team.
Vaughan told Cricbuzz, “I know I get a few right and a few wrong. But, no Ben Stokes and given the fact that New Zealand beat this team just recently, India will win this series. It is the best chance they have in winning here. The last couple of times they have been here, they had high hopes and then just flattered for whatever reasons. They had not managed to get enough runs.”
He further went on to warn England that spin will play a part in the upcoming Test series and their inexperienced batting line-up must stand tall to counter the Indian attack.
He concluded, “With no Stokes, it will be difficult for England to balance this side. They will either go with a batter less or a bowler less. So, it will be difficult for Joe Root to manage. August and September spin will play a part. I am going to predict and I hate to say this, India is going to win 3-1.”
