4 reasons why India can beat England in England

England for India has always been a place which has been the toughest for India to win in. The conditions are alien to the likes of the Indian batsman. India has only once beaten England in England once in 2007 under Rahul Dravid’s captaincy. The last time India toured England was forgettable, as India went on to lose the 5 match series 3-1 even after drawing and winning the 1st and 2nd Test match respectively. Although in 2014, for many players England was unfamiliar territory as players like Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara and Rohit Sharma failed to leave a mark but this time the players have gathered plenty of experience playing all over the world.

In the last overseas Test series tour to South Africa, although India lost the series 1-2, there were plenty of positives to take away as India’s fast bowling, as well as India’s batting, was praised by cricket pundits. This time India has a very good chance to do the impossible- Beat England in England. There are a lot of players who have taken experience in the County circuit like Ishant Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, and R.Ashwin. India can feel very optimistic going into this 5 match Test series against England.

So here are 4 reasons why India can beat England in England in the longest format of the game for only the second time ever.

#4 King Kohli will lead this time

All eyes will be on Kohli as enters the field for the first time in England as captain

Although Virat Kohli had failed miserably the last time India toured England, this time Kohli will be captaining India for the first time in England. He has taken great strides in international cricket since that awful outing. He scored a heap of runs for India in Test matches since being appointed the captain in 2015 following the retirement of MS Dhoni. In the last Test series against England, India steamrolled past their opposition. Kohli scored a record 655 runs in 8 innings which included 1 double century, 2 centuries and 2 fifties.

Kohli was set to play County cricket for the first time in his career as well which would have been perfect for him to get used to the English conditions but an injury to his neck ruled him out. This time Virat Kohli has the perfect opportunity to redeem himself as he has the added responsibility of captaining the side. Thus it will be interesting to see how Kohli performs in England

#3 Ravichandran Ashwin – The County Specialist

Ashwin will be key to India's bowling attack now that he has taken so many wickets in England.

There were plenty of doubts whether or not the world’s best spinner would be equally effective as he is in India in England. When India toured England in 2014, Ashwin didn’t even make the starting XI but this time it is totally different. Ashwin played in the county circuit this season and was very successful with both bat and ball. In 4 matches, he took 20 wickets which include two 5-wicket hauls. These types of numbers for an off-spinner in English conditions which assist the fast bowlers are brilliant.

With the bat in 6 innings, he scored 214 runs at an average of 42.8 and a highest of 82. Ashwin has now got a feel of the conditions and can prove to be destructive against the English batsman.

#2 England’s current form

England have been struggling in the longest format of the game

It is safe to say that England will go in this series against India not high on confidence. After the embarrassing Ashes defeat to Australia, England went on to draw the 2-match series against Pakistan.

Even before the Ashes, England were struggling in Test cricket. Losses to India, South Africa were followed by the disappointing Ashes. They have constantly been chopping and changing their side for every series. It’s been some time since their second opener has brought any confidence to the England management. The middle order has struggled, the lone spinner’s position has been a doubt, and other than Anderson and Broad the fast bowling department has been scratchy. Looking at their current mindset and form, India can do the double of beating England at home and away this year.

#1 India's talented pool of Fast Bowlers

Bumrah has become India's premier fast bowler after an impressive show in South Africa

India has probably never have boasted upon a better pool of fast bowlers ever in England. Jasprit Bumrah who made his Test debut in South Africa last year was very impressive while taking 14 wickets in 3 matches which included a fifer at the Wanderers. Ishant Sharma has taken some much-needed experience in England while playing county cricket with Sussex even scoring a fifty! Bhuvenshwar Kumar has taken great strides in world cricket as well in the last 2 years. He will be key in England in terms of swinging the ball.

Add to that the names of Umesh Yadav and Mohammad Shami. The Indian pacers proved they have what it takes to succeed outside India. It is safe to say that India surely feels very much better than 2014 about their fast bowlers.