If India don’t start well against England, they will be on the back foot in WTC cycle: Brad Hogg

Former Australia Chinaman Brad Hogg has opened up on India’s five-match Test series against England which will mark the commencement of the 2021-23 cycle of the World Test Championship. Hogg stated that India will have to win their opening clash only so as to make their final appearance again in the next WTC cycle. The former spinner stated that India will have an upper hand on their home series where they host Australia, New Zealand Sri Lanka.

However, their nightmare begins with England only, and on the English soil, it’s going to be tougher. India’s away tours will see them playing against South Africa, England, and Bangladesh where they will have to put in extra effort, reckoned Hogg. It will be a hard task for India to dominate their rivals on the UK tour and their pacers especially Jofra Archer and James Anderson will be a hard nut to crack.

“India have 19 games, out of which they will need to win 13 games to get into the WTC final. They are playing western teams on their home soil where they have got a huge advantage. But away, England is where their nightmare could begin. If they don’t start well against England, they will be on the back foot early and will have to catch up,” said Hogg as quoted by Cricket Addictor.

England will play India and this is what I feel will decide their fate in the WTC final, reckons Brad Hogg

On the other hand, Hogg added that it is even difficult for the English side to reach into the finale of WTC 2021-23 as they will be hosting India, New Zealand, and South Africa who all are sturdy sides. They will be touring for their series with Australia, West Indies, and Pakistan. Hogg asserted that the chances of England will be a little slim against India and Australia (Ashes) in their away tour.

“England will play India and this is what I feel will decide their fate whether they will play the WTC final after two years or not. If they can dominate India, win four out of the five-Test matches and not allow India to win, have a draw in the fifth Test, that sets them up perfectly. They then have to beat Australia at least twice on their home soil to have a chance of reaching the WTC final,” added Hogg