Opinion

England ‘very well prepared’ for India series after win over Sri Lanka: Mahela Jayawardene

Written by Rohit Pawar

Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene believes England are “very well prepared” and can pose a challenge against a tough Indian side after a comprehensive series win over Sri Lanka. Jayawardene said that having the likes of Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer and spin duo of Dom Bess and Jack Leach will boost England’s chances vs India.

England defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets at the Galle International Stadium to complete a clean sweep over the hosts in the 2-match Test series but face a much more daunting task in India, where the first Test in Chennai begins on February 5.

“I think that’s going to be a very exciting series and a very good challenge for this group of players. That’s what cricket is all about. You need to go away and win the Test series,” Jayawardene opined.

“Getting Ben Stokes back will be a massive advantage for England because he will bring that experience and be another left-handed batsman in their top-order which can be crucial. ‘It will be a challenge for Rory Burns if he opens. He hasn’t played much cricket lately. I’m disappointed Bairstow is leaving the squad given his experience and the way he batted in this series. He should be at that touring party.

“Jofra Archer will bring something to the table with his pace, especially on slower wickets. So I think overall they [England] are very well prepared.

“The two spinners [Dom Bess and Jack Leech] will have learned a lot here but it will be a bigger challenge in India.”

England and India will play in a four-Test series, with the first two matches set to played in Chennai, before the series moves to Ahmedabad for the final two Tests. The third Test of the series will be a day-night encounter, starting on 24 February.

About the author

Rohit Pawar

An Independent I.T. Security Expert, Geek, Blogger & Passionate Programmer.