Info4now- M. S. Dhoni led his team to a fantastic win over the host at Lord’s seven years back. But what is the difference now in 2021 India vs England series? It’s an easy task to measure. India came to England with two consecutive test victories in Australia. In 2018 they lost to England with a huge margin and after that they never looked back. They beat Australia without Smith and Warner in the first term and repeated the same when they got back to the side. Even Kohli’s absence didn’t matter much.

Ready to react

In the meantime, Kohli lost in the semi-final of ICC World Cup 2019 and WTC Final—against the same opposition. New Zealand were a bit better on both the occasions. But this India team never dealt much with the losses. They know how to fight back. In test cricket an odd captain worked for Team India. He continued to fail with the bat. But his anger is static on the field. He is someone who respects all the greats, but not at the cost of being nice guy on the field. 

The captain’s attitude passes well to his comrades. His bowlers are targeted, but not reined. They are ready with their wrists and lips. It’s why a wicketless Bumrah strikes and an expensive Siraj buys his chosen ones. 

For England, for Root, it’s also a separate experience. In 2014, England knew that they could come back. They did that finally. They had Cook, Ballance, Bell and Prior in batting. They had in-form Broad and Plunkett with the magician. In 2021 they miss everything except a beautiful technician in the middle and that magician with the red ball.

To Conclude

Moving forward to the next tests India would definitely eye more wins and in a more comprehensive way. But What would England aim at? I think the gap before the third match should be utilized to enhance the mindset. It needs a strong mental stability to recreate that fight with an off-form group. India must not slip their rhythm. But in cricket, a quality execution on a particular day beats everything.