India vs England the ongoing series is being played at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Vishakhapatnam (Vizag), where the hosts are looking to bounce back from their defeat in the first match. The pitch at Vizag has been a topic of discussion, as it is expected to assist spinners as the game progresses. Only two Tests have been played at this venue before, and India has won both of them by huge margins, thanks to their spinners and Virat Kohli, who scored a century in each match. England, on the other hand, have made two changes to their playing XI, bringing in Shoaib Bashir and James Anderson for Jack Leach and Mark Wood. The weather forecast for Vizag is mostly sunny and warm, with a slight chance of rain on the third day. The pitch report suggests that the surface is dry and slow, and will offer reverse swing for the pacers and turn and bounce for the spinners. The team that wins the toss will likely bat first and put up a big total on the board.
Series History and Head-to-Head Record
India and England have played 131 Test matches against each other, with England winning 50, India winning 31 and 50 ending in draws. In India, the two teams have faced each other 64 times, with India winning 22, England winning 14 and 28 ending in draws.
The last time England toured India for a Test series was in 2016-17, when India won 4-0. The most recent Test series between the two teams was in England in 2021, when England won 3-1.
The highest team total in an India-England Test match is 759/7d by India in Chennai in 2016. The lowest team total is 42 by India at Lord’s in 1974.
The highest individual score in an India-England Test match is 319 by Virender Sehwag in Chennai in 2008. The best bowling figures are 10/53 by Jim Laker at Old Trafford in 1956.
Current Form and Rankings
India are currently ranked second in the ICC Test rankings, with 116 rating points. They have won nine of their last 10 Test series, losing only to New Zealand away in 2020. They have also won their last eight Test series at home, with their last defeat coming against England in 2012.
England are currently ranked fourth in the ICC Test rankings, with 105 rating points. They have won six of their last 10 Test series, losing three and drawing one. They have also won four of their last five Test series away from home, with their only defeat coming against India in 2016-17.
Players to Watch Out For
India:
Virat Kohli: The Indian captain will miss the first two Tests due to personal reasons, but he will be eager to join his team for the remaining three matches and lead them to victory. Kohli has scored 2794 runs against England in Tests, with seven centuries and an average of 46.56. He also has a stellar record at home, with 4032 runs at an average of 68.13.
Ravichandran Ashwin: The ace spinner will be a key weapon for India in this series, as he has been prolific against England in the past. Ashwin has taken 88 wickets against England in Tests, with six five-wicket hauls and an average of 28.72. He also has a superb record at home, with 294 wickets at an average of 22.95
Rohit Sharma: The opener will be looking to continue his impressive form at the top of the order for India, especially after his heroics in Australia. Sharma has scored 1030 runs against England in Tests, with three centuries and an average of 39.61. He also has a phenomenal record at home, with 1594 runs at an average of 77.00.
England:
Joe Root: The England captain will be the mainstay of their batting line-up, as he has been in sublime form in recent times. Root has scored 1959 runs against India in Tests, with six centuries and an average of 55.97. He also has a decent record in India, with 584 runs at an average of 38.93.
Ben Stokes: The all-rounder will be the X-factor for England in this series, as he can contribute with both bat and ball. Stokes has scored 920 runs against India in Tests, with two centuries and an average of 32.85. He also has taken 34 wickets at an average of 35.05.
James Anderson: The veteran pacer will be the leader of the England bowling attack, as he has been a consistent performer for them over the years. Anderson has taken 110 wickets against India in Tests, with four five-wicket hauls and an average of 26.63. He also has a respectable record in India, with 26 wickets at an average of 33.46.
