The first Test between India and England starts this Friday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
This game marks the return of international cricket in India after nearly a year. The hosts come into this series on the back of a stunning win against Australia, despite the unavailability of Virat Kohli.
With the Indian captain back following his paternity leave, the hosts are well-equipped to take on the Englishmen in the four-match Test series.
Although they will miss Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami, the Indians have proven that the quality in their reserves is unrivalled, and will definitely give Joe Root and co. a run for their money.
Speaking of the English Test side, they come into this series with a clean sweep of Sri Lanka in their own den. Joe Root was at his sublime best as he, along with the spin duo of Dom Bess and Jack Leach, paved the way for a historic series win.
But the challenge of the mighty Indians is a class apart. And they will need the likes of Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer to be at their best if they are to come anywhere near to upsetting the apple cart.
India will walk into the series as the undeniable favorites and would be hoping to seal a place in the final of the World Test Championship 2021. But, the English cannot be taken lightly at all with a well-balanced roster at their disposal.
With two quality sides taking centre-stage in Chepauk, an entertaining start to the Test series beckons come Friday.
Match Details
Team: India Vs England, 1stTest
Date: February 5, 2021-9th February 2021
Time: 9:30 am
Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Weather Report
The weather is expected to be sunny throughout the two Test matches. The temperature will stay around 30 degrees Celsius, and no rain interruptions are expected.
Pitch Report
Spin is expected to play a major role at the Chepauk, although there should be enough help for the pacers as well.
The batsmen will have to bide their time in the middle before unfurling their attacking instincts. Batting should be relatively easy during the first three days after which the pitch should deteriorate.
Both teams will want to bat first and make good use of the conditions upfront, with no rain predicted during this game
India Vs England Predicted XIs
India
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel/Kuldeep Yadav, Shardul Thakur, Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah
England
Dominic Sibley, Rory Burns, Ollie Pope, Joe Root(C), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (WK), Moeen Ali/Chris Woakes, Dom Bess, Jack Leach, Jofra Archer and Stuart Broad
TV and live streaming details
Tv Streaming:Star Sports, DD National (DD1), DD Sports
Live Streaming:Disney+Hotstar