Former Indian batsman Mohammad Kaif believes India have a great chance to win the series. India is trailing by 2-1 in the ongoing five-match series against England. Meanwhile, India was able to get back one when they won the Trent Bridge Test by 203 runs.
In fact, Kaif believes India should not have been in this position in the series. The first Test match at Edgbaston, Birmingham could have gone either way as India lost the match by 31 runs. The visitors had to chase a target below 200 but could not get over the line.
India should not have been in this position.
“Of course, India has a great chance to win the series,” Kaif told MyNation.
The Natwest series final hero believes visitors should have been able to chase down the target of 194 in the first Test match. However, they fell short of the target by 31 runs.
“I think India should not have been in this position (2-1) the way they have played. They should have won the first Test at Edgbaston. Chasing less than 200 on a decent track, with the batting line-up we have, we should have won the first one, definitely. The Lord’s Test was tough for India. The conditions were overcast,” Kaif said.
The tourists were able to come back in the third Test match at Trent Bridge. The Indian bowlers were right on the money. Furthermore, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara were able to get back into form.
“In the third Test, the comeback was great. The Indian bowling has been fantastic. Virat Kohli has been leading from the front, Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara are back in form. Hardik Pandya got a five-wicket haul and also hit a fifty in the second innings. Overall, it was fantastic show by India in the third Test at Trent Bridge,” Mohammad Kaif said.
Consequently, Kaif believes the pressure is back on England as they haven’t played to the best of their potential in the recent past. Furthermore, their batsmen have failed to put consistent performance.
“England must be feeling the pressure heading into the fourth Test in Southampton. In recent times, they have not been playing well. Their batting has flopped. Their batsmen have not been able to put big runs on the board. If India can make it 2-2 it will be an interesting final Test. There, I would back India to win the series 3-2,” he added.
The visitors will look to level the series at Rose Bowl whereas England will aim to take an unassailable lead.