NEW DELHI: In Test cricket history, few narratives have been as compelling as India's unassailable dominance on home soil over the last 12 years. However, this unyielding stronghold faces a unique test as Rohit Sharma's formidable side takes on England in the first match of a much-anticipated five-Test series starting Thursday.
India's record at home since their 1-2 defeat against Alastair Cook's England in 2012 is nothing short of extraordinary.
With a staggering 16 successive series wins, including seven series sweeps, the Indian cricketing juggernaut has left opponents in its wake.
In this period, India has lost a mere three Tests out of 44 played on home turf, establishing a reign that surpasses even the legendary West Indies of the '80s and Australia at the turn of the century.
Integral to this unparalleled success has been the spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Their combined prowess has yielded 500 wickets at an average of 21 since 2012, creating a formidable spin fortress that visiting teams find challenging to breach.
The stage is set at the RGI Stadium in Hyderabad, where the pitch is expected to offer turn and grip, playing to the strengths of India's spin maestros. England, having experienced the duo's magic on past visits, is acutely aware of the daunting challenge that lies ahead.
England's chances get a little boost by the absence of Virat Kohli in the opening two Tests. Kohli, a towering figure in Indian Test cricket, has been a prolific run-scorer against England, and his void leaves a significant gap in the middle order.
1/10:England's 'Bazball' faces biggest challenge against India
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2/10:England vs India: Clash of Titans
England's "Bazball" style of attacking cricket faces its biggest challenge yet when they play an India side who have not lost a home Test series in more than a decade.Getty Images
3/10:England's last victory in India
Alastair Cook's team was the last to beat India on home turf in a four-match series.Getty Images
4/10:Spin: England's key to success
Monty Panesar, who was part of that team, said the tourists had nothing to fear in a series where spin is expected to play a huge part.TOI Sports
5/10:Stokes: The captain's challenge
Ben Stokes faces his biggest challenge in making Bazball successful on turning pitches.Getty Images
6/10:England's preparation in Abu Dhabi
England prepared in Abu Dhabi instead of playing a tour match in India, which drew criticism in some quarters at home and raised fears England could be "undercooked".Getty Images
7/10:The task facing England
England's task in India is immense, but a victory could make Stokes one of the greatest captains ever.Getty Images
8/10:England under McCullum
Brendon McCullum has helped transform England's red-ball fortunes with an attacking brand of cricket.Getty Images
9/10:Anderson's superhuman feat
41-year-old James Anderson's remarkable career continues as he leads England's bowling attack in India.Getty Images
10/10:Leach: England's frontline spinner
Jack Leach will play a crucial role as England's frontline spinner in the Test series against India.Getty ImagesDespite the challenges, India remain a formidable opponent. Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul will anchor the batting order, with KS Bharat taking up wicket-keeping duties in Kohli's absence. The depth in India's squad ensures a seamless transition, with Rajat Patidar joining as a replacement for the second Test.
However, England, under the leadership of Ben Stokes and the coaching of Brendon McCullum, has forged a brand of cricket known as 'Bazball' - an aggressive, fearless approach that has yielded success, including a recent 3-0 Test series win in Pakistan.
This style, characterized by attacking intent and audacious strokes, will face its sternest test on sub-continental tracks that offer turn and bounce.
The lead-up to the series has been marred by the delayed arrival of young off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, held back due to visa issues.
Stokes expressed his dismay, acknowledging the frustration of Bashir's absence. The disruption adds a layer of uncertainty for England as they grapple with the spin challenge and strive to maintain the aggressive tempo that defines 'Bazball.'
The series opener in Hyderabad promises to be a captivating clash between India's home dominance and England's trend-defying approach. As the 'Bazball' strategy faces the ultimate examination on turning tracks, cricket enthusiasts await a spectacle that could either extend India's reign or witness a remarkable upset by the visitors.
Teams (from):
India: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, KS Bharat (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Avesh Khan.
England: Ben Stokes (Captain), Rehan Ahmed, James Anderson, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Dan Lawrence, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes, Tom Hartley, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Mark Wood.
Match starts at 9:30 AM IST.
(With inputs from PTI)
