Couch Critic previews the first test match between India and England including best bets from @Olimp_SA
INDIA vs ENGLAND 1st Test, Chennai. Friday 05 Feb @ 06:00
Whilst the rest of the world struggle to find a lot of game time in current times India and England hardly have time to take a breath between commitments. The 1st of four tests kicks off on Friday in Chennai.
The Inside Scoop
England got a taste of slower foreign conditions with a quick visit to Sri Lanka. The Poms will look to take the positive momentum gained on the island into their Indian sojourn. Of course, nothing compares to the type of high the Indian camp must be on at present having dramatically beaten the Aussies in their own back yard.
We don’t know much about what the Chennai pitch will offer - the last test was staged here in 2016. On that occasion there was a mammoth 700 posted by the home side against this self-same visitor. In the last ODI held here (in December 2019) the West Indies chased down 288, only losing two wickets in the process. Clearly batting isn’t all that tough around these parts and I expect the quicks to perhaps have a chance early on before the slow men really come to the fore on day four and five.
How I see it playing out
The English should be primed for action after their sub-continent taster but I have a feeling this main meal might prove too tough for them to stomach. Apart from Root I don’t see enough tested experience in foreign conditions to be confident of their chances of success in India.
Betolimp Best Bets
Man of the Match – Ravichandran Ashwin @ 7.00
Ashwin might not have it all his own way on the first day or two but in the second innings al eyes will be on the offie to do the damage. He is also fresh off some good batting form so could very well add a few valuable runs for his side.
Top Eng 1st Innings Bowler – Stuart Broad @ 5.00
I don’t see the English spinners having the same effect against the Indian batsmen. They will have their role to play in the second innings but early on the quicks should still play a part. With Archer only recently back from a break Broad could be the one to hit the ground running.
Top India 1st Innings Batsman – S Gill @ 5.50
In the shadow of the Pant fireworks the incredible impact of Gill in Australia went largely un heralded. Back on home turf I am looking for the youngster to keep the good times going.
Top England 1st Innings Batsman – Joe Root @ 3.00
It might seem the “boring” pick but I like my chances here. Root was the standout batsman in the Sri Lankan series and is clearly far an away the best run-getter in his side. I am happy being in his corner for this clash.
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Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change
Couch Critic
