The Indian cricket team is all set for their trickiest challenge in recent times when it comes to Test cricket in home conditions as they face England in a five-match series starting January 25.
The Asian Giants are currently enjoying a winning streak of 16 series for over a decade in home conditions. The last time when they suffered a Test series defeat at home was in 2012 against England and the same opponent stands in front of them eyeing to end their streak.
Meanwhile, this is a more dangerous English unit with their ultra-attacking ‘Bazball’ approach under head coach Brendon McCullum’s guidance.
Ben Stokes also has a point to prove that his team can succeed with the tactics in Indian conditions too.
On the other hand, India will hope to maintain their home domination and consolidate their position in the World Test Championship points table.
Meanwhile, the superstars of the both sides will also look to achieve some individual milestones during the five-match series.
Here’s a look at few
1. Ravichandran Ashwin – The ace-spinner will be the deciding factor in the series as if he picks up the rhythm early, the challenge will get extremely stiff for England. Ashwin is looking to take hold of a historic record books. The veteran has played 95 Tests and considering his stature in the side, is expected to play all five matches which will help him complete a historic century. He is also just 10 wickets away from breaching the 500 mark in Test cricket – the milestone which only 1 Indian has achieved thus far – Anil Kumble.
2. Virat Kohli – The batting maestro has pulled out of the first two Tests citing personal reasons but if he returns for the final three then he would eye a couple of milestones himself. The 35-year-old has scored 8,848 runs in Tests and will look to complete 9,000 runs in the format. He is also one century shy of entering the 30 Test century club.
3. Ravindra Jadeja – The flamboyant allrounder missed the series last time when England travelled to India which will make him hungrier to stack up big numbers this time. The star cricketer will look to etch his name amongst the greatest Test all-rounders to play for India. Jadeja has a chance to join the elusive list of players with 3000 runs and 300 wickets in Test cricket. The southpaw has currently scored 2804 runs alongside 275 wickets and with the series expected to be played on turning tracks, he has a bright chance to achieve the milestone.
4. Jasprit Bumrah – The premier pacer will look to run riot on his return to red-ball cricket on Indian soil. He produced a Player of the Series performance on Proteas soil. With 142 wickets in his kitty, Bumrah will target the 150 mark and might also try to achieve it as the quickest Indian pacer.
5. James Anderson – The legendary English pacer will look to achieve the massive accolade in the five-match Test series. It is highly likely that England will rotate their pace attack in the series but Anderson will be looking to complete his 700 Test wickets as quickly as possible. The Englishman is 10 wickets away from the mark and he will become the third bowler after Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan to achieve the feat.
6. Ben Stokes: The England captain is unlikely to bowl in the mega series due to his knee injury but in case the team demands he will set his eyes on completing 200 Test wickets. He is just three wickets away from the mark.
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