India vs England: Ex-captain Nasser Hussain gives THIS bold verdict ahead of Test series

India vs England Test series is one of most-anticipated cricketing events of year which will also mark return of international cricket in India post COVID-19 era. Ahe of high-octane series, re has been a lot of talk about team selections, favourites, strengths and weaknesses of each side. Cricketing pundits have been sharing ir views and result predictions for India vs England series which is slated to start on February 5 in Chennai.

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Nasser Hussain and David Lloyd deem India as 'favourites' to win series

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has termed India as clear 'favourites' to win upcoming four-match Test series. While speaking to Daily Mail, Hussain said that India are favourites to win series but predicted a 2-1 scoreline. However, he ded that current England side that is on an 'urd curve' can very well surprise many.

Hussain furr said that hosts are a formidable unit but all-rounder Ravindra Jeja’s injury is a massive blow for m. Pointing out England's frailty against left-arm spin in Sri Lanka, Hussain reiterated that absence of Jeja who plays his IPL cricket in Chennai and kws ground well, can prove to be decisive. According to England veteran, without Jeja, India is a little imbalanced which is an area England could exploit. However, he mitted that overall India is extremely strong in each and every department.

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Ar former England cricketer-turned-commentator, David Lloyd also shared his two cents on upcoming series. According to Lloyd, India will surely maybe 3-0 or 4-0 although he wouldn't mind being proved wrong. He furr said that India are raging favourites but it will be good for England to be underdogs as it will help m to have h two matches in Sri Lanka in what will be similar conditions. Lloyd, however, reckoned that if he is putting his money anywhere, it’s on India.

He furr said that India are best in world as y showed in beating Australia almost without captain. 73-year old reiterated that hosts have got a balanced team and wonderful batsmen. Pointing out Hussain's claim that India will miss Jeja, Lloyd opined that Axar Patel is a very good bowler and could be lethal if India chooses to go with him.

Meanwhile, India vs England 1st Test live match will get underway on Friday, February 5 in Chennai.  India vs England 1st Test live streaming will commence at 9:30 AM (IST). After  India vs England 1st Test in Chennai, second match will be played at same venue from February 13-17. 

final two Tests will be played at newly constructed Sardar Patel Stium ( biggest cricket stium in world) in Ahmedab from February 24-28 and March 4-8. According to  India vs England schedule, all five T20Is will be played in Ahmedab on March 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20. On or hand, three ODIs will be played in Pune on March 23, 26 and 28.

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India squ for England Tests 2021: Virat Kohli (Captain), Ajinkya Rahane (Vice-captain), Rishabh Pant (Wicket-keeper), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, KL Rahul, Hardik, Wriddhiman Saha, R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Md. Siraj, Shardul Thakur.

England squ for India Tests 2021 (first 2 Tests): Joe Root (Captain), Ben Stokes (Vice-captain), Jos Buttler (Wicket-keeper), Jofra Archer, Moeen Ali, Rory Burns, Zak Crawley, James Anderson, Dom Bess, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes, Stuart Bro, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Dom Sibley, Jack Leach.

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SOURCE: ICC & BCCI TWITTER