The five ways India can lose at Rajkot

CRICKET-WINDIES-INDIA : News Photo
Virat Kohli and his men haven’t been tested in Test cricket lately

A weary England side prepare to take on hosts India at Rajkot on Wednesday, and the two sides have had contrasting fortunes lately. India have had a great period in Test cricket, topping the rankings after dominating against South Africa and New Zealand at home and West Indies in the Caribbean.

England on the other hand, are on the back of an uninspiring show against Bangladesh, where they lost a Test against rookie spinners. Cricket analysts and experts have already written off England in this tour to India after their dismal show in Bangladesh.

But the English do have the line-up which can spring a surprise. India, meanwhile, will not want a repeat of what happened in 2012, when Panesar and Swann, inspired England to an unlikely series win. While their recent heroics suggest few means by which they can lose the series or even a Test, India have certain weaknesses.

A glance through the only few ways India can lose the first Test at Rajkot follows.


#1 England's record in India

Kevin Pietersen
Kevin Pietersen was tormentor-in-chief against India in 2012

England are one of the best visitors to Indian shores since the turn of the century. A win-loss record of 3-4 is best among visiting teams and a loss percentage of 33.33% is also joint best with Pakistan.

The English are the only side to record a series win in India in the last 10 years, which came in their last visit. English batsmen have traditionally played much better than other nations with the top order averaging above 40 in India.

While they had been underwhelming in Bangladesh, one cannot rule out England's comeback in a country they have had reasonable success. The English side also bat deep and have able top order batsmen in Cook and Root.

#2 Over-reliance on Ravichandran Ashwin

India Vs South Africa First Test Match At Mohali : News Photo
Ashwin has picked up wickets in the last few series and has been India’s key player

Every player goes through a tricky patch after a great run. India's lead bowler, Ravichandran Ashwin, has been basking in the glory for a rather long period of time, relishing the turn and bounce on sub-continental wickets.

But if he has an ordinary outing, India may face issues to run through an England batting line-up filled with lefties. Ravindra Jadeja is not a big turner of the ball and Amit Mishra turns the ball into the left-handers, and that should not be much of an issue for them.

Ashwin is the trump card against a left-heavy top order and if he fails, India could have troubles in restricting the attacking English batsmen. Players like Ben Stokes and Johnny Bairstow can take the game away in a session or two with their attacking style of batting.

#3 Reverse swing

Bangladesh v England - First Test: Day Four : News Photo
Broad is capable of reversing the ball which the Indians should be wary of

Reverse swing has been India's nemesis and they have traditionally struggled to play against bowlers who make the ball reverse. Steyn at Nagpur is a gentle reminder of India's woes against unconventional swing.

In Broad and Woakes, England have two bowlers who can make the old ball talk. Of course, Anderson, the best exponent of reverse swing in England isn't playing, but he is there to pass on tips to Broad and Woakes, who have exhibited the art on a few occasions.

The Kiwis failed to extract any reverse swing, while India had Shami, who generated some reverse. The failure to do that led to the Black Caps struggling to bowl out India. England are expected to make better use of the old ball and India need to be wary of that.

#4 Failure of batsmen

CRICKET-IND-NZL : News Photo
Kohli and Rahane have been in stellar form lately

While India enjoyed batting against the Kiwis, that has always not been the case in recent times in Tests. The batsmen, apart from Kohli and Rahane, have failed to get going after good starts and this has led to average totals.

The spinners have, however, come to India's rescue with the ball when the batsmen do not get going. If they do not click against England, they have the bowlers to create trouble for Indian batsmen. India struggled against Moeen Ali in England and there is no reason why they will not struggle at home on wickets conducive to spin.

If India find themselves 3 or 4 down early, they could be in trouble as it exposes the new no.6 (Hardik Pandey or Karun Nair) and the lower order comprising of Saha also do not boast great experience in demanding situations in the international stage.

#5 Underestimating England’s spinners

Bangladesh v England - Second Test Day One : News Photo
Moeen Ali will be the lead spin bowler in the English side

India have shown a tendency to struggle against spinners lately. A part-timer, Dean Elgar, caused havoc in the first Test of the series against the Proteas and India will remember how Moeen Ali got the better of them in England.

While the Kiwi spinners were relatively less experienced, England have two very experienced spinners in Gareth Batty and Adil Rashid, with Moeen Ali providing able assistance.

India can underestimate the England tweakers at their own risk. There is no reason why Rashid, who is a much better leggie than Ish Sodhi, cannot create discomfort for Indian batsmen with his variations.

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Edited by Staff Editor