Former India Test opener and a legend of Indian domestic cricket, Wasim Jaffer is of the opinion that India should start afresh for the four-Test match series against England and no0t rest on their laurels. India scripted history when they won the series against Australia not long ago. However, Jaffer believes that despite such a big win, they should put that behind them and look for what’s at stake in the upcoming series.
This will be a huge series for both teams as the qualification for the ICC Test Championship final is up for grabs. India is currently leading the Test Championship chart but a series loss to England will wipe away their chances of contesting in the final against New Zealand.
During an exclusive interview with Times of India, Jaffer said, "India will be pumped up. It's a new series. India has to forget what happened in Australia, they need to start afresh against England. “
‘The win in Australia was a huge shot in the arm for the Indian team. Not only did they humble the Australians with a severely depleted squad, they did it in foreign conditions. Now, back on home territory, the game plans will need to change.
India has a clear edge over England in head to head in Test matches in India. However, England has always given India a tough fight and they remain the last team who defeated India in a Test series at home back in 2012-13. India thrashed England 4-0 when the two teams last met in India. So there is no doubt about the fact that India will start as outright favourites.
"Obviously, India holds an advantage because they are playing at home. But you can't take anything for granted. Whatever happened in Australia, you need to leave that behind, take that confidence and start afresh," Jaffer said.
One of the biggest takeaways from the India-Australia series was the performance of the youngsters. A relatively 2nd string Indian side defeated Australia in the final Test with no experience at all, especially in the bowling department.
"I never imagined someone like Washington Sundar will play such a big role (in Australia). Someone like Shardul who didn't have a memorable Test debut a few years back will impress this much. He got injured and had to leave the field. It never looked like he will play a Test match so soon. But the kind of comeback he made and the performance he showed, was just amazing. Before the IPL, who knew there will be a T Natarajan who will be making debuts in all formats and that too in one series. They all performed with flying colours. It was an amazing display by these youngsters," Jaffer told TimesofIndia.com.
"I am sure these people will perform really well against England (too)," Jaffer concluded.
Powered by Froala Editor