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ENG vs IND 1st Test- Match Preview
England is all set to host India in a five-match Test series starting with the first Test match at Nottingham. The series also marks the beginning of the second edition of the World Test Championship which will culminate in 2023. It will be a great opportunity for both teams to kickstart their WTC campaign on a high. While both sides are equally matched, the Today Match Prediction for ENG vs IND becomes even more difficult despite conditions that favor the home team.
Final prep ahead of Wednesday and a huge series!#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/yEeYy3PNrS
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 2, 2021
England will be eyeing their first win this home summer, as would expectedly put their best foot forward to claim a win in the Nottingham Test against India. On the other hand, Kohli, and co. will be aware of England's fragile batting and would aim to exploit their weakness early in the series.
Before we take a look at ENG vs IND Today’s Cricket Match Prediction, here’s a look at what does 1st Test has to offer:
ENG vs IND – Predicted Playing XIs for the 1st Test Match
England
The hosts will miss the services of their star all-rounder in Ben Stokes in the upcoming five Tests. The inured Jofra Archer is also not included in England's squad for the first two Tests against India. While their top-order is still a major concern, Root's recent form hasn't been too encouraging either.
The return of Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler will definitely bolster the inexperienced batting order. England's strength lies in their bowling department. The veteran duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad will have the onus to deliver across the five Test matches. They will expect good support from Ollie Robinson, Sam Curran, and Mark Wood as the other seamers in the squad.
Probable Playing XI: Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root (C), Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler (Wk), Sam Curran, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach, Ollie Robinson, James Anderson
India
The touring party will have a few selection calls to make ahead of the first Test against England at Trent Bridge. With Mayank Agarwal injured and Shubman Gill already ruled out of the tour, a slot in the opening position is up for grabs.
It will be interesting to see if India considers Abhimanyu Easwaran or go with the pedigree of KL Rahul alongside Rohit Sharma. The middle-order is largely settled with Cheteswar Pujara, Virat Kohli, and Ajinkya Rahane forming the core. Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja will complete the rest of the batting order while Ravichandran Ashwin bats at No.8.
The makeup of Indis's seam bowling is expected to feature the trio of Ishant Sharma, Mohammad Shami, and Jasprit Bumrah. Mohammad Siraj has made all the right kind of noise in the recent past, but he might have to sit out of the playing XI for the first Test at Nottingham.
Probable Playing XI: KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane (VC), Rishabh Pant (Wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah
ENG vs IND Head-to-Head record in Test cricket
Matches: 126
England won: 48
India won: 29
Draw: 49
Looking at head-to-head England vs India records in Test cricket, England has a convincing lead over their opponents. Having faced each other in 126 matches, England succeeded in 49 encounters whereas the opposition has won in 30 matches. Hence, it will be exciting to see how the series pans out for the course of next five Tests in England.
ENG vs IND First Test Match- Players to Watch out for
England
The batting order of England will be dependent on their skipper, Joe Root. In the absence of Ben Stokes and a shaky top-order, Root will be asked to do the bulk of scoring for England. The next five Tests against India could prove to be career-changing for Root as captain and as a player.
Sam Curran was the man of the series in the last series against India at home. He will have an extra responsibility to perform the dual role for the side. Hence, he will be one of the players to watch out for in today's ENG vs IND 1st Test 2021. James Anderson and Stuart Broad will be at the center of the action for England.
India
For the visitors, the batting group will be under focus after their repeated failures in the past few years. Virat Kohli, who hasn't scored a century in the last 18 months, will be expected to deliver in the upcoming series. The Indian skipper will definitely be one of India's players to watch out for against England.
Rishabh Pant is another such player who will be closely watched by fans across the globe. The wicket-keeper batsman began his Test journey at the same venue in Nottingham in 2018. While a lot of talk has been around seamers, it could be India's R Ashwin who might witness a dream run in the next five Tests.
ENG vs IND Today Match Prediction – Who will win the 1st Test in Nottingham?
England has dominated India in the home conditions since 2007. Playing at their home ground, England will always have the advantage and a possible edge over India in the first Test. Taking all of this into consideration, England will be favorites and are likely to win the first ENG vs IND Test match starting August 4.
