India's combination looks stronger than England's: Sachin Tendulkar

Tags: England tour of India 2021, India vs England, 1st Test at Chennai, Feb 05-09, 2021, India, England, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar

Published on: Feb 05, 2021

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Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar feels that India have the upper hand going into the four-match Test series against England, despite the fact that both teams registered victories in their previous Test assignment. While India beat Australia 2-1 in Australia, England also got the better of Sri Lanka 2-0 in Sri Lanka. According to Tendulkar though, India have better resources to exploit the conditions on offer.

Speaking to Timesofindia.com, Tendulkar said, "I think both teams have come after winning their last series so it is going to be a series of two confident sides looking to take on each other. But if you look at the combination, I would like to believe that India's combination looks stronger than England's and it will be a closely fought contest, but I see India coming out as the victorious team.”

The Master Blaster also feels that there is a great possibility of India going in with three spinners for the first Test in Chennai. The Indian great added, "I personally don't like to influence decisions, because if I say so and so and don't take the other player's name then it's not ideal, because I haven't seen the surface (pitch). I haven't figured out how the surface might wear off after a couple of days and who is going to be able to utilize it. But I feel, in all likelihood, India is going to go ahead with three spinners.

“Ashwin has been a success story. Washington Sundar has come and has played a big role in the last Test match, Kuldeep Yadav is a veteran bowler and Axar Patel has his own strengths. So it's going to be three out of these four. Ashwin will be there 100% and the toss-up will be among the others. Whoever the team decides to play, it will be given proper thought. Because all bowlers are different, all bowlers have their own strengths and they need to utilise their strengths and look at the perfect combination that one can play," Tendulkar further said.

The India-England Test will be played in the bio-bubble, keeping in mind all the necessary COVID-19 restrictions. The series will also decide who meets New Zealand in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s. India will need to win by a 2-0 for 2-1 margin to progress while England must win at least three Tests to qualify.

--By A Cricket Correspondent

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