England vs India 2018: Asif Masood Backs India to Beat England
Aug 25, 2018 at 1:03 PM
Former Pakistan fast bowler Asif Masood has backed India to win the ongoing five-match series against England. The series is currently placed at 2-1. England had won the first two Test matches whereas India was able to bounce back in the third Test match at Trent Bridge.
Meanwhile, the first Test match at Edgbaston, Nottingham could have gone either way as India lost by 31 runs. However, India was not up to the mark in the second Test match at Lord’s where they lost by an innings and 159 runs.
India was able to come back in the third Test match.
Virat Kohli-led team was able to bounce back in the third Test match where they won by a huge margin of 203 runs.
“India should have won at Birmingham and they played very poorly at Lord’s. But they came back showing great character in Trent Bridge. That lad (Jasprit) Bumrah is a good bowler,” Masood told Mid-Day from Manchester.
Asif Masood went on to praise Indian skipper Virat Kohli. The right-hander has scored 440 runs thus far in the series. Thus, Kohli has looked the standout batsman. Furthermore, Asif Masood believes England is a beatable side in their own conditions.
“India is a fine side which is led well by Virat Kohli. What a player he is… the best batsman in the world. I love his intensity. England can be beaten”.
“There was an improvement in the Indian batting at Nottingham and with your bowlers doing a good job, England will find it difficult to win. I think England are an over-estimated side. Sure, Joe Root is a class act, but the rest of the batting can fall away”.
Asif Masood believes England is an over-rated side. Meanwhile, Masood said he will like to include Umesh Yadav in the playing XI. Yadav was dropped from the third Test match after Jasprit Bumrah made a comeback.
“England has always been over-rated. I would include Umesh Yadav in the playing XI though,” remarked Masood.
India was able to tick the right boxes in the third Test match at Trent Bridge. Thus, they would like to carry on with their good work. The fourth Test match will take place at Aegis Bowl, Southampton from 30 August.