'They have a chance to win 5-0' - Monty Panesar predicts India to clean-sweep England on one condition

Monty Panesar has made a sweeping prediction of the India versus England series, suggesting that the visitors might take the series 5-0 if the tracks provided for the series turn.

India’s tour of the United Kingdom gets underway at the Rose Bowl, Southampton, where they will face New Zealand in the inaugural World Test Championship final, followed by the Test series against England scheduled to start from August 4th at Trent Bridge.

During these two teams’ last meeting earlier this year, India went onto win the series 3-1, making a sensational comeback after losing the first Test by 227 runs at Chennai. That said, India last won a Test series in England in 2007. However, Panesar, the former England spinner, believes that Indian spinners can exploit England’s spin weakness and if the surfaces offer them some assistance, the visiting team might end up clean sweeping the hosts.

Indian spinners will come into the game: Monty Panesar

He also highlighted the timing of the fixtures. Both teams will be playing at Trent Bridge from August 4th onwards, which will be followed by encounters at Lord’s (August 12-16), Headingley (August 25-29), the Oval (September 2-6) and Old Trafford (September 10-14). Panesar reckons that the warm weather conditions in August make the case for the spinners strong.

“5 test matches are in August where we will expect warmer conditions. Indian spinners will come into the game, India have a chance 5-0,” he tweeted.

India has Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in the ranks, who both impressed aplenty in Australia during India’s tour last year. Further, Axar Patel, who had a stellar debut series (27 wickets in three Tests) against England at home, and Washington Sundar, are the other availabilities for the team.

Calling Panesar’s prediction a joke, a user tweeted in disagreement: “It is not easy at all for India in seaming conditions, 5-0 with England that is a big joke,” only to get a factual reply from the seasoned spinner: “Will it seam in August? It tends to spin at that time of the year. If the wickets turn in August every chance (India can win 5-0).”

“I expect green pitches v NZ and we can see the depth of English cricket. In August, I expect drier wickets. IMO (In my opinion) it favours India,” he added. New Zealand is set to play England for two Tests, beginning June 2 at Lord’s.