India vs England Prediction: India play better cricket at home with two specialist spinners

India and England are going head to head in the 1st Match of Test Series at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad, Rangareddy, India on 25 Jan 2024. India play better cricket at home with two specialist spinners. Who will win this game of cricket?

India has encountered an unforeseen setback with Virat Kohli opting out of the first two Test matches. Additionally, it has been communicated by the coach that KL Rahul will not be performing wicket-keeping duties, but will solely focus on batting. Consequently, we have a clear understanding of the composition of the team for the initial Test. The top-3 will consist of Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill, followed by KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and KS Bharat in the top-6. Bharat's impressive century in the warm-up match, along with his adeptness at keeping wickets, has given him an advantage over Jurel. Jadeja will occupy the seventh position, followed by the four bowlers: R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav/ Azar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammad Siraj. This bowling lineup is exceptionally strong and does not rely on excessively turning conditions to achieve success. We are confident that India will not struggle to score the necessary runs to apply pressure. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul are likely to capitalize on the favorable home conditions, with Jadeja further complicating matters for the opposition. Although the absence of Kohli is regrettable, India still maintains a significant advantage as the stronger team.

Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, KS Bharat (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav

Harry Brook has withdrawn from the series and returned home, which may make the selection process easier for England. Jonny Bairstow can take the batting position at number 5 and Ben Foakes can handle the wicketkeeping duties. England's batting order seems to be well-established, with Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, and Ben Stokes forming the top 6. Additionally, Ben Foakes at number 7 adds depth to their batting lineup.

However, the absence of a genuine all-rounder and the likelihood of Ben Stokes not being able to bowl weaken England's bowling options. They will heavily rely on Joe Root to contribute with the ball. Selecting two spinners and potentially a third spinner seems to be the likely strategy, following the example set by both England and Australia in their previous tours to India. Jack Leach, Rehad Ahmed, and Tom Hartley are all contenders for a spot in the playing eleven, with only one fast bowler expected to be picked. The choice between Jimmy Anderson, Ollie Robinson, or Mark Wood will likely depend on the nature of the pitch.

Throughout the Test match and series, England is anticipated to utilize pinch hitters, adopt aggressive field strategies, and employ T20 shot-making techniques.

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Ben Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Ben Foakes, Ollie Robinson, Rehan Ahmed, Jack Leach, James Anderson

The team that wins the toss will have a significant advantage and is likely to choose to bat first. The weather conditions in Hyderabad are expected to be pleasant with no rain predicted. The match will not be limited by time and a draw is not a realistic outcome. The pitch in Hyderabad is certain to provide spin, with the only question being when it will start to take effect. We believe there will be some turn from the beginning and it will become increasingly challenging from Day 3. Batters will have the opportunity to score runs in the first few days, with an expected first inning score of around 300-400.

England has achieved success against various teams, including a 3-0 victory over Pakistan and wins in Sri Lanka and South Africa. However, winning against India in India presents a different challenge. India has the advantage of having two of the best spinners in their lineup and the ability to field strong all-rounders up to the 8th position. They also have skilled fast bowlers who can exploit the home conditions. While England may impress with their tactics, India is the superior team in this contest. Therefore, it is recommended to bet on India to win.