It has been 11 years since India tasted Test success on English soil. Rahul Dravid-led visiting side had clinched a 1-0 victory in a three-match series way back in 2007 after which India, under MS Dhoni, were on the receiving end of crushing defeats (4-0 in 2011 and 3-1 in 2014).
Virat Kohli's men will be able to emulate the victorious team of 2007 and in fact clinch the upcoming five-Test series 3-1, according to former England captain Allan Lamb.
The former Northamptonshire cricketer has said the unusually hot and humid weather in the United Kingdom should prove to be an advantage for the tourists, especially the spinners in the Indian side.
Lamb also revealed he is impressed with Kuldeep Yadav following his limited-overs exploits in the ongoing tour. The 64-year-old backs India to let the left-arm wrist spinner partner R Ashwin ahead of Ravindra Jadeja, considering the manner in which he was able to trouble the English batsmen over the last few weeks.
"I would go with a 3-1 scoreline in favour of India. India will start as the favourites going into the series. I expect the conditions to be in their favour as the series unfolds. It has not rained here much in the last few weeks," Lamb told The Times of India.
"This will result in wickets being on the drier side and that should bring the Indian spinners into play.
"I am impressed with Kuldeep. Yes, Joe Root and a few others did read him in the one-dayers, but I would want to still see him in action in the Tests. He and Ashwin will be a good combination to go with."
Lamb talks up Ishant Sharma & Co.
Lamb also backed the Indian pacers to make good use of the conditions in upcoming five-Test series.
"Ishant is coming after having had a good county stint. On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, and Mohammed Shami are capable of bowling with pace and conditions will help them get some swing as well," Lamb said.
India will be without Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who had bagged the Player of the Series in 2014 after picking up 19 wickets, for at least the first three Tests. Bumrah will be available for selection only from the second Test.
Nonetheless, India have Ishant Sharma, who is heading into the series on the back of a successful county stint with Sussex, in-form Umesh and a fit-again Shami along with Shardul Thakur. All-rounder Hardik Pandya is a reliable option as well.
England vs India: Test series schedule (All days across the five Tests will start at 3:30 pm IST)
- 1st Test: August 1 to 5 at Edgbaston, Birmingham
- 2nd Test: August 9 to 13 at Lord's, London
- 3rd Test: August 18 to 22 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham
- 4th Test: August 30 to September 3 at The Rose Bowl, Southampton
- 5th Test: September 7 to 11 at Kennington Oval, London
