Sourav Ganguly upbeat about India's chances of success in England

Sourav Ganguly

India’s Test series against England on English soil is about to get underway, and there is much talk about whether India can end their winless streak overseas with a series victory in Old Blighty. Talking of a Test series victory in England, there are few better than Sourav Ganguly, from an Indian viewpoint, to listen to on what needs to be done.

After all, not only did the former Indian captain taste a series victory in England in 2007 but also had an illustrious batting average of 65.35 in his 9 Tests in the country.

Ganguly feels that India should try and replicate Sri Lanka and that a series victory for India in England is not improbable due to a weak English side devoid of Kevin Pietersen and Graeme Swann.

“England’ve had their share of troubles and they’re rebuilding. And again, that’s why I feel this is India’s best chance. Sri Lanka just beat England in England. I think India should take a leaf out of Sri Lanka’s book,” Ganguly said in an interview to CricketCountry.

Ganguly has also backed Indian coach Duncan Fletcher to come good and doesn’t subscribe to the view that this is a do-or-die series for Fletcher.

“Let’s not worry about criticism. I think you will be criticized when you’re at the top job. Duncan Fletcher has the job till the World Cup and hopefully we can win in England, and Australia, and the team can do well in the World Cup.”

The composition of the Indian bowling attack for the Tests has been a topic of intense debate among the media and fans, but the 41-year-old feels that there is still time before a decision on the playing XI is made and that the final decision should be MS Dhoni’s.

“I think there is still time. Let’s see how their form is by the end of the (ongoing) Derbyshire game, and then we can take a call. Not we, MS Dhoni can take a call.”