India should win the series handsomely: Michael Holding on England series

The 2021/23 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle is underway with England hosting India in a five-match Test series. The first of five test matches ended on a sombre note, with rain playing spoilsport and forcing the match to be called off without a result on Day 5.

Former West Indies cricketer, Michael Holding has forecasted that Team India with a well-balanced side of experience and youth are the clear favourites to win the Test series. He also told the Mid-Day that the tourists would have grown accustomed to the English conditions to play a good brand of cricket by now, having been in the UK since June.

“India started the series as favourites, and they remain favourites. India should win the series handsomely. I find no reason why India cannot win the series. They have already acclimatised with the conditions [the team have been in the UK since June for the WTC final]. They should concentrate on playing without worrying about the result. They have a well-balanced side of young and experienced cricketers,” Michael Holding told Mid-Day.

On Indian pace bowling unit

“India are looking good with Jasprit Bumrah returning to form. Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj look promising. Mohammed Shami is an experienced campaigner. I am sure the Indian pacers will be able to utilise the English conditions well,” he added.

On England missing two of their star players

“The burden is now on captain Joe Root. They are missing Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes. They have become weak in batting as well as bowling,” Holding said.

The second Test match between England and India begins on 12th August at the home of cricket, Lord's.