With the first Test between India and England set to commence on June 20, tensions are high and expectations over the moon in both camps. While India get ready for their first Test without legendary duo Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, England too are navigating a period of transition. With the series marking the start of a new WTC cycle (2025-2027) as well, the series truly is the start of a new era. Ahead of the series, several big names of the sport have made predictions, with votes divided among either camp. Former cricketers , including the likes of Nasser Hussain, former England batter Nick Knight, Graeme Swann, Matthew Hayden, Dale Steyn and several others chipping in with their takes on who will win the five-match series. As fans remain on edge, here’s a look at the predictions made by former cricketers ahead of the high-octane matchup.
Nasser Hussain rules out India completely
Former England captain Nasser Hussain has ruled out any chance of India winning the five-match Test series starting on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. Hussain believes the Shubman Gill-led side will struggle against Ben Stokes’ England.“England have a very good record at home, and India will miss the runs and experience of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli,” Hussain wrote in his column for Mail Sport. “It’s a hard one to call, but I think home advantage will swing it England’s way, and I’m going for 3-1.”
Graeme Swann’s comments attract criticism
Ahead of the series, Swann’s comments became the subject of criticism. The 46-year-old Englishman stirred up controversy ahead of the Series, after labelling it “the perfect warm-up’ ahead of the Ashes”. “They don’t have Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma, their two superstars with the bat. Yes, they’ve got great players coming up instead, but we’ve got bowlers who exploit our conditions well. England must look to win this series. I will take 4-1, 3-2 at best. I hope we do well and get the confidence moving into the Ashes,” said the former England international.
Monty Panesar assigns crucial role for pitches
In an interaction with Timesofindia.com, the former English cricketer shared his take on which side the series will tip. The 43-year-old refused or name an outright winner, and named the ideal situation for both sides to shine.
“If it’s green pitches, England might have a slight advantage. If the surfaces are flat, I think India have a great chance to win. And I suspect the ECB would want the matches to stretch into Day 4 and 5—for the spectacle of the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy. That could work in India’s favour,” said the former England international.
Dale Steyn expecting a very close encounter
The former South Africa pacer said that it will be a very close matchup, but ended up favouring the hosts in the end. “All games will be close. But all will have a result. I think it will be 3-2 in favour of England. There will be a result in every Test match. There will be no run away win for any team, all five games will be very close,” said Steyn on JioHotstar.
Matthew Hayden sides with visitors
The former Australian cricketer has weighed in on the upcoming series, downplaying the impact English bowlers could make. The 53-year-old said that the hosts’ bowling attack is not that great’, and that they have their own challenges to overcome, amidst injuries and retirements.
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“”I don’t think England bowlers are that good, they have got a number of injuries and a number of retirees as well, that will be the challenge,” said the veteran. “The northern Test matches when it’s zipping around that will be key, win that one and it could well be a series that goes India’s way,” added the Australian.
