England vs India: 7 Reasons India can win the series 3-2

England vs India Test Series

It took only 17 balls on day 5 for India to bundle England out and clinch a historic 203-run win in the third Test at Trent Bridge. Now that the five-match series fantastically poised at 2-1, can India turn the deficit around and win the series?

Momentum matters

After the closely fought Edgbaston Test, England were too good for the visitors at the iconic Lord’s. After a humiliation in the second Test, India made an incredible retort to lift themselves at Trent Bridge. Now, the momentum is by their side.

Kohli 2.0

The Indian skipper buried the ghosts of 2014 with a spectacular 149 at Edgbaston where no other Indian could manage more than 31. The top-ranked Test batsman, Kohli led from the front once more at Trent Bridge with 97 and 103. For England to keep their lead, they must stop Virat Kohli.

Injuries, selection dilemma plaguing English camp

Bairstow’s injury is a major setback for the hosts, for they could miss their first choice keeper and one of the few firing batsmen in the ranks.

Injuries aside, England’s think tank is not helping the side with strange selections. They were harsh on Curran after his man of the match show at Edgbaston. They must get him back, but at who’s expense?

Plus, Jennings has not done much to save his place in the XI and Cook might be unavailable for Southampton Test to pile on the misery.

Assured show from Top 3

The likes of Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul and Cheteshwar Pujara all seemed incapable of coping with seam or swing at Edgbaston and Lord’s. The twin 50+ opening stands between Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul at Trent Bridge and Pujara’s solid 72 are encouraging signs for the tourists.

The return of Bumrah

India missed Jasprit Bumrah in the first two Tests, and more for Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s absence. Bumrah’s hunger for wickets was evident on his return, and it got bigger as the game progressed. A 5-fer in the fourth innings has established him as Kohli’s go-to man, now, in the longest format.

No more slip-ups in the cordon

Indians caught less than they dropped in the first two games. It changed at Trent Bridge. With slip cordon grabbing all that’s coming their way, there is one less trouble for the tourists.

The all-rounder delivers, finally!

Hardik Pandya was slammed for his performances in the first two tests. With wickets in the bag and runs to go with it at Trent Bridge, Pandya silenced the trolls to an extent.