Former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie believes that India can defeat England in the five-match Test series to be played after the completion of the IPL. Jason Gillespie feels that India needs to plan and execute it well enough to defeat the home team.
After the completion of the Indian Premier League, India will play a five-match Test series in England. The series will also mark the start of a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for both the teams and they will be looking to start on a positive note.
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Jason Gillespie reveals how India can beat “one-dimensional” England
During an interview with TOI, Jason Gillespie was asked about India’s chances in the five-match Test series in England, which will begin from June this year. Gillespie backed India to win if they can execute their plans perfectly.
The former Australia quick called England a one-dimensional side who just know how to attack with the bat and defend with the ball. He feels that the one-dimensional plan of England won’t work for them all the time.
“Yes, England are one-dimensional and can be beaten if India plan well and execute their plans. England don’t adjust and adapt to conditions when batting,” the former Pakistan head coach said.
“They just look to score fast and hit boundaries and look to be very defensive with their field placings when they bowl. They don’t stick to a plan with the ball for very long,” he added.
Will playing in IPL affect India’s preparations?
Jason Gillespie was also asked if the preceding IPL 2025 season will affect India’s preparations for the England Test series. He feels that India’s players are experienced enough to adjust to the different formats of the game.
“Secondly, playing in the IPL before the England tour shouldn’t affect (Jasprit) Bumrah and Co; they are experienced bowlers and will adjust quickly,” Jason Gillespie added.
The IPL 2025 final will be played on May 27 while the Test series against England will begin on June 20. After two months of continuous T20 cricket in the IPL, it will be important for the Indian players to adjust to Test cricket from the T20 format.
The players will also have to adjust to the seaming and overcast conditions in England and it will be a challenge for them to do so. However, India have done well in Tests in England in recent times and will back themselves to do well again.
India’s schedule for a five-Test series in England
India will play a five-match Test series in England after the completion of the IPL. The series will begin from June 20 at Leeds, Headingley. The second Test will be played from July 2 in Birmingham.
The iconic Lord’s will host the third Test from July 10. After a slight gap, the fourth Test will be played at Old Trafford, Manchester from July 23. The series will conclude at the Oval where the fifth Test of the series will be played from July 31.
