Opinions divided among former Test captains on India's chances against England

Test cricket is on the verge of returning to our TV screens, with the English season mere days away, the fag end of which will be the marquee Test series between the hosts and Team India. While the season is yet to begin, predictions have already begun to flow in. Although contradictory in nature, these opinions just go to show how probable the series is to be a closely fought one.

Michael Vaughan known for his controversial statements that rile up the Indian cricket fans on social media has picked the home team to run away with the series. Speaking to Crictracker, the former England captain said, "England will win. It's in England... I mean you all have to look at the trends over the last few years. Every time England have gone to India, they've been hammered. And every time India have come to England, they've been hammered. That's the fact. And I think that will carry on. England are a team at home that are very, very difficult to beat with the Duke ball." 

The last time an away team won a Test series between these two teams was way back in 2012 when England beat India 2-1. India last won a Test series in England was in 2007. However, the captain of that winning Indian team, Rahul Dravid believes that India have a great shot at bucking the trend of away teams going back empty-handed. 

"I really do think India have a very good chance this time," Dravid had said earlier this month. "There's no question about England’s bowling. Whatever bowling attack England put on the park, especially their seam-bowling attack, is going to be fantastic. They have a lot of players to pick and choose from and that's going to be terrific. But if you look at their top six or top seven, you really think of one great batsman, a world-class batsman who is Joe Root," he had reasoned.

[Hinfustan times inputs]