India was favorites to win the first Test match against hosts England at Trent Bridge in Nottingham as they just needed 157 runs to win on the final day with 9 wickets in hand but rain played a spoilsport, and the match ended in a draw.
With the action now moving to London as the second Test match is scheduled to be held at the iconic Lord’s ground, former West Indies pacer Michael Holding revealed that he believes India is favorites to beat England in this five-Test series convincingly.
“India started the series as favorites, and they remain favorites. They should win the series handsomely. I find no reason why India cannot win the series,” Holding told Mid-Day.
Holding who was nicknamed as “Whispering Death” during his playing days, then pointed out that the recently concluded World Test Championship (WTC) final would’ve helped the Indian team to get used to the English conditions.
“They have already acclimatized with the conditions (the team has been in the UK since June for the WTC final). They should concentrate on playing without worrying about the result. They have a well-balanced side of young and experienced cricketers,” he added.
The right-arm quick then praised the Indian pace bowling attack that picked all 20 wickets in the Test match, as according to the former cricketer, India's depth in the fast-bowling department is one of the reasons for them being favorites to beat England in English conditions.
“India are looking good with Jasprit Bumrah returning to form. Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj look promising. Mohammed Shami is an experienced campaigner. I am sure the Indian pacers will be able to utilise the English conditions well,” the 67-year-old concluded.
Thus, it will be exciting to see how both the teams go about in the upcoming second Test match at the Home of Cricket, Lord’s in London from August 12.
(With Mid-Day Inputs)
