Test Cricket England vs India: Could England Really Become World-Beaters?

5th Test: England vs India

That is a question on the lips of many after Moeen Ali spun England to a 60-run victory over India on the fourth day of the fourth test in Southampton.

That sealed a series win over the world’s number-one team with a match in hand.

Now it’s time for Test Cricket England vs India 2018, the final chapter, at The Oval.

Talking Points

SBOBET fans will know the main talking point in recent days has been the retirement from test cricket of Alastair Cook.

He deserves the many accolades that have been thrown his way, and that will surely follow over the next week or so. His remarkable career is one to savour.

This test will provide one of the England vs India highlights without a ball being bowled, simply to acknowledge the reception Cook will receive during his international swansong.

The 33-year-old will start the 161^st and final test match of his record-breaking career after admitting ‘there is nothing left in the tank’.

The announcement was not a total surprise.

In fact, even on Sunday evening, I was chatting on a train to an England fan returning home from the Ageas Bowl who informed me the time was right for Cook to call it a day.

Within a few hours came the announcement that the four-time Ashes winner was doing just that.

He will be recognised before this encounter begins also.

Fittingly, from both the England hierarchy and Joe Root, who succeeded Cook as test captain earlier this year before the chance to add to his 32 centuries and 12,254 runs – the sixth-most in test history.

India are also likely to acknowledge his achievements, feats the nation is only too well aware of after he captained England to a winter series win on Indian soil in 2011-12 when he dominated with the bat.

That, along with the Ashes success of the previous year, will always stand out among many personal highlights for Cook.

There were tricky calls ahead for England even before his announcement, although the selectors are unlikely to make too many changes for this one.

Perhaps one of James Anderson or Stuart Broad – upon whom England have become extremely dependent – will be rested to allow a debut for someone such as Jamie Porter.

With Cook playing, perhaps even Jonny Bairstow (struggling from a fractured finger) or Keaton Jennings could be rested?

If Bairstow is fully fit, will he reclaim the gloves and return to no 7?

Could Rory Burns come into the equation?

Ben Stokes has been told he does not require surgery but is struggling with a knee injury.

Could Chris Woakes come in for Adil Rashid? Ali has taken two more wickets this series than Rashid, even though the latter has played in all four tests.

James Anderson remains a man to watch as he closes in on equalling Glenn McGrath’s record to become the most prolific fast bowler in test history.

Then there is possible doubt about the fitness of Ravichandran Ashwin, the tourists’ master-spinner, who pulled up limp just before the end of the fourth test.

So many questions and there are still four or five more days action to potentially look forward to.

There had been a hope amongst neutrals, and India fans, that this test would prove the decider, very much as it was in the one-day international series earlier this summer.

That may not be the case, but the Cook farewell will ensure this remains a great spectacle.

England’s next test at home after this incidentally? – the first of the 2019 Ashes.

History

A fourth wicket partnership of 101 between Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane rescued them from 22 for three to within 122 of their target in the fourth test.

It was again, further proof, of the greatness of the Indian skipper.

India now bid for an eighth test triumph in England and what would be only their second victory on English soil in 13 matches.

Regardless of the result, England will rise to fourth in the ICC test rankings above New Zealand. India will stay on top ahead of South Africa and Australia.

Betting Tip

	England vs India	Draw @ 5.25
	September 7, 18:00 (GMT+8)

As we look forward to the final test clash of the summer between two leading skippers, the England vs India betting odds favour the home side who holds an unassailable 3-1 lead.

Yet India will have gained much confidence from their last two outings, and another potentially close encounter is reflected in the odds.

England are priced 1X2 @ 1.80 with India @ 2.50. The draw is offered @ 5.25.

Asian Handicap betting also leans towards England who are priced 0.00 @ 1.55 with India 0.00 @ 2.44.

That latter bet certainly seems worth a punt.

A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR () BETS ARE WORTH:
= €20 (Highly confident)	= €10 (CONFIDENT)	= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)

Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.

 

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