Sunil Gavaskar IND vs ENG Test Series: The upcoming India vs England five-match Test series is generating significant excitement as the English team prepares to tour India. IND vs ENG Test Series 2024 kicks off with the first match scheduled in Hyderabad, starting from January 25 onwards.
Team India is intensely gearing up for the competition, expecting a challenging clash against England. The English team, under the influence of coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes, has adopted a more aggressive style in Test cricket.
England has been openly flaunting their effective ‘Bazball’ tactics. However, according to batting legend Sunil Gavaskar, India possesses its own strategic approach called ‘Viratball’ to counter England’s aggressive style in Test cricket.
Under the coaching leadership of former New Zealand batsman Brendon McCullum, England cricket team has showcased an aggressive and dynamic style of play in Test cricket. As the team gears up to face a new challenge, playing on ‘slow and turning’ pitches in India will demand a different set of skills.
In a statement on Star Sports, former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar highlighted India’s strategic approach, stating that the team possesses its own style called ‘Viratball’ to counter England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ tactics.
Gavaskar pointed out Virat Kohli’s remarkable Test cricket record, having scored 29 centuries and 30 fifties, emphasising that the former India skipper’s remarkable conversion rate could potentially be the decisive factor in IND vs ENG Test Series.
“With Virat Kohli, he has as a similar number of hundreds and fifties (in Tests). That means he has a good conversion rate. The way he’s been batting, his movement looks good. With the form that he’s in, we have Viratball to counter Bazball,” said Gavaskar, speaking to Star Sports ahead of IND vs ENG 1st Test on January 25.
The conditions on Indian pitches, known for providing substantial turn, make it challenging to execute “Bazball-style” cricket approach. Recognizing the spin-friendly nature of these pitches, India has strategically included the spin trio of Ravindra Jadeja, R Ashwin, and Axar Patel in the team.