Former Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar has predicted the result of the upcoming England vs India Test series. The series kicks off with the first Test at Headingley from June 20.
Heading into the Test series, England played a one-off Test against Zimbabwe to get some match practice. The Indian team played two unofficial Test matches against England Lions, followed by an intra-squad game.
England have named their playing XI for the first Test. India, on the other hand, are looking to get their combinations right. Shubman Gill, in the pre-match press conference, stressed the importance of picking up 20 wickets and playing their best four pacers. Another point of debate has been around who will bat at number three for India.
Rishabh Pant, while interacting with the media ahead of the first Test, confirmed that Shubman Gill will bat at number four while he will bat at five. Meanwhile, Sachin Tendulkar has already predicted the result of the series ahead of the start of the first Test.
Sachin Tendulkar Favours India To Beat England
"I have settled for 3-1 to India," Sachin told ESPN Cricinfo.
Tendulkar also said that Jasprit Bumrah will be India's main wicket-taker in the five-match series against England. Bumrah has been bowling well in the practice sessions and also bowled well in the intra-squad match at Kent.
"I think the bowling attack, a lot will depend on Bumrah and how the other guys support him. Bumrah, without any doubt, is going to be our strike bowler. Along with that, how the rest of the guys that I have experienced, Prasidh has been in good form. Arshdeep Singh, Shardul Thakur, and Nitesh Reddy would be the supporting bowlers. Harshit Rana, I might be missing out a few names, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav. I feel the attack is a balanced attack. I am hopeful that we will do something nice."
Also Read: England vs India Match Preview & Where to Watch Live? India tour of England 2025, 1st Test
Concerns Regarding Jasprit Bumrah's Workload
Previously, India's chief selector Ajit Agarkar spoke about Jasprit Bumrah only playing three Test matches against England. There has been a lot of talk around Bumrah's workload management, especially since his lower back injury in the fifth Test against Australia at Sydney earlier this year. He missed the Champions Trophy and returned to playing the game in the IPL before the England series.
