The four-match test series between cricketing giants India and England got underway today with both sides looking for a spot in World Test Championship final. Here are five players to keep an eye on for the next five weeks.
Shubman Gill
The 21-year old burst onto the scene in Australia and has not shown any signs of slowing down ever since his debut in Melbourne. Gill has been an exciting prospect for the national side ever since winning the Player of the tournament award in the 2018 U-19 World Cup and a stellar first-class record.
His last innings of 91 against Australia set the stage for India’s famous test win in Brisbane. India have been struggling with their opening position for a few years, but with Gill in the squad they may very well have found their new long term opener.
Jofra Archer
The swashbuckling paceman has been one of the most exciting cricketers in the world since his famous super over in the unforgettable World Cup final. Archer was awarded MVP in the most recent edition of the Indian Premier League, and despite it being a completely different format, its great news for England as it shows his record against Indian batsman.
Archer has been a regular feature in England’s test side since the start of the 2019 Ashes and hasn’t looked back. His pace and energy will be one of the key aspects of the series.
Jasprit Bumrah
From one paceman to another, Jasprit Bumrah has lit up the international scene with his unusual bowling action. The right-arm fast bowler has an obscene test bowling average of 21.5 and will be playing his first test series at home.
Three years after his debut, Jasprit Bumrah finally will play a Test at home 😮 https://t.co/1D5Zr2qesX #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/2eRlvq5s5z
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) February 5, 2021
The right-arm quick is captain Virat Kohli’s go to man and rarely has he disappointed his skipper. It will be interesting to watch Bumrah as Indian conditions are not known to favour fast bowlers. His adaptability will be tested.
Joe Root
The England captain stepped out for his 100th test match today and it couldn’t have come at a better time for him. With huge scores of 228 and 186 in Sri Lanka, Root is in some of the best form he’s ever been in.
Joe Root has played seven Tests in India.
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) February 5, 2021
He’s passed 50 in every single one of them.#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/kz5gsGNQ8K
His record against spin bowling will be key for England. Co-incidentally Root made his debut against India in India in 2012 and that series is the last time India lost a test series at home. His experience in subcontinent conditions is definitely an area to keep an eye on.
Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant’s had quite the career so far. He’s the only Indian wicketkeeper ever to score a test century in England and Australia. He played two magnificent innings in the recent series against Australia, including the 89* which earned him a man of the match award in India’s epic win in Brisbane.
And yet, despite these famous knocks he is not a sure shot starter because of his questionable record behind the stumps. Pant will have a great opportunity to prove himself as a wicketkeeper in this series and nail down his position in the playing XI.