Despite India’s dismal Test record in England, they begin the five-match series at Trent Bridge Cricket Stadium, where they have performed better than at other venues. India and England have met seven times in Nottingham, with two victories for each team and three ties. A Test series against England was lost by India 1-4 the last time they visited. Their only victory came here.
One of the players from the 2018 Test match in Nottingham is not in India’s squad for the upcoming Test series. Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah had starred in India’s 203-run victory over England.
Harbhajan Singh says the absence of Pandya is a big loss for India and could prove to be dangerous if Virat Kohli and co. are not careful.
“In my opinion, India’s loss of Hardik Pandya could be fatal. It was in Nottingham that he bowled well, and this time the series will begin in Nottingham. Derbyshire swing bowlers always have an advantage due to the weather conditions. Trent Bridge is a venue that England enjoys playing at because their bowlers perform well there “Harbhajan posted a video on his YouTube channel describing the situation.
Pandya, who no longer bowls for India due to back surgery, last played a Test match in the same series in Southampton. While he may not be excess pace, Harbhajan feels Pandya’s bowling could have been beneficial with the Dukes ball in the swinging conditions of England.
“I think the playing eleven would have been stronger had Hardik Pandya been there, not only due to his batting, but with the 10-15 overs he bowls in a day in swinging conditions, he can pick up wickets. And when he is in full flow, like the last time in Nottingham, he had picked up five wickets,” Harbhajan added.
