IND vs ENG: Top 6 batsmen to watch out for

IND vs ENG: England team are touring India for a full series of four Test matches, five T20 Internationals and three One Day International matches. With the Test series coming up a couple of days time, we look at the top players from each side before the series begins.

Both India and England have produced world-class players over the years, such as India’s Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Zaheer Khan, Anil Kumble, Kapil Dev and England’s Ian Botham, Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff, Alastair Cook, Matthew Hoggard, Graeme Swann etc.

Now, we take a look at top six batsmen, three each from both sides, that will need to watch out for in this highly anticipated series.

1. Virat Kohli

The name itself is enough. The Indian captain of all formats will mark his return after he left the first Test in Australia for the birth of his child. Now coming back for the big series against England at home, Virat Kohli will be eager to go out and play for India while continuing to score runs for fun. He will be the biggest threat for English bowlers.

2. Joe Root

England’s red-ball captain Joe Root enjoyed his fabulous tour in Sri Lanka, where he scored more than half of the runs the second-highest run-scorer got. He scored 426 at an average of 106.5 which included his double ton 228 and 186. One of the best players of spin bowling, Joe will be the key to negotiate the spinners of India such as Ashwin and Jadeja, who are more deadlier at home.

3. Ajinkya Rahane

If there is one Indian batsman who silently performs, it’s Ajinkya Rahane. He captained India in the rest of Australia Test series. His team was 1-0 down after they were blown away for 36. But he led them to 2-0 in the next three Test matches, eventually winning the series for his side.

4. Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes the batsman will be making his comeback to the side in an exciting series. He last played a Test series in August 2020 against Pakistan. In fact, he had a phenomenal year in 2020. He was the leading run-scorer with 641 runs and averaged 58.27. England’s fine all-rounder will need to step up in this big series.

5. Rishabt Pant

The rising star in India’s Test cricket, Rishabt Pant was one of the star performers in the magnificent series win in Australia. He was India’s highest run-scorer with 274 runs with an average of 68. His 89 not out at Brisbane helped India win the match by three wickets, leading series win. Though his wicket-keeping skills need a little work, he is one of three Indian batsmen to look out for in this IND vs ENG series.

6. Jos Buttler

The wicket-keeper batsman who is explosive in shorter formats, Jos Buttler was England’s third-highest run-scorer in the Sri Lankan series and averaged 65, the second-best in the whole series. He can be explosive even in the longest format of the game when it is required. And on top of that, his wicket-keeping skills are excellent and catches wins you matches if you get them all.

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