England gear up for first Test with unique bowling combination

England is set to go with a unique bowling attack, which is unorthodox from their point of view. England usually tours the subcontinent and goes with at least two pacers, sticking to their strengths more often than not. This time around in India, England is looking forward to changing the way they go about the Test matches in the tour of Asia, where the pitches assist the spinners.

England have picked a lot of spinners for their tour of India. The pitches are likely to be spin-friendly throughout the tour. The first Test of the series will happen at Hyderabad in the Rajiv Gandhi stadium. The wicket at the venue is likely to spin given the hot weather and the preference of the home side. Hence, England is likely to go with a sole seamer.

In their bowling attack, England will likely have Mark Wood as their pacer and overlook James Anderson in the first Test. The rest of the attack is likely to have three spinners Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, and Jack Leach. Along with it, England will also have a part-time bowling option like Joe Root. Even Stokes can roll his arms over when necessary.

Bazball’s major Test in India

For the first time since Stokes took over the leadership of England, they will be playing in conditions that might witness rank turners. This time around in India, things might be alien for the players who are a bit new to the conditions of India. Some of them are on their first Indian tour. When England toured Pakistan in late 2022, two pitches were mostly flat and had little turn.

Barring Joe Root, James Anderson, and Ben Stokes, not many players in England’s lineup have enough experience playing in India. England seem to be up for the new challenge. The players will likely bat the way they have been in the last 20 months. It will be a major challenge for the way England have been playing their cricket under Stokes and Brendon McCullum.

England’s Playing XI for Hyderabad Test – Zack Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (C), Ben Foakes (WK), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood and Jack Leach