Mohammed Azharuddin Lauds Indian Team Ahead of Third Test Against England
Azharuddin's Praise for Team India
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], July 10: Former Indian captain Mohammed Azharuddin commended the national team's performance during the second Test against England held in Birmingham.
He expressed optimism regarding Jasprit Bumrah's return, emphasizing that India's bowling lineup is currently stronger than that of England.
In a conversation, Azharuddin remarked, “The team played impressively in Birmingham. With that boost in confidence, they should be well-prepared... Bumrah's inclusion will be a significant advantage for the team... Our bowling attack is superior to England's. I wish them all the best and hope they emerge victorious.”
The Indian squad is gearing up for the third Test of the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, commencing on July 10.
Following a commanding 336-run victory at Edgbaston, India enters the third Test at the iconic Lord's stadium with renewed confidence, leveling the series at 1-1.
Without Bumrah, Team India showcased exceptional batting and bowling skills, highlighted by captain Shubman Gill's remarkable innings of 269 and 161, alongside Mohammed Siraj's impressive six-wicket haul and Akash Deep's ten-wicket performance in Birmingham.
Shubman Gill currently leads the run charts in the series, amassing 585 runs across two Tests and four innings, averaging 146.25 with a strike rate exceeding 73, including three centuries and his highest score of 269 runs from 387 balls at Edgbaston.
On the other hand, England's Josh Tongue has taken the most wickets in the series, claiming 11 wickets in four innings at an average of 33.63.
Joe Root is just 45 runs shy of becoming the first player to score 3000 runs against India in Test matches. Meanwhile, Gill needs only 18 more runs to surpass Rahul Dravid's record of 602 runs set in 2002, making him the highest-scoring Indian batsman in England.
Historically, India and England have faced each other 19 times at Lord's, with England winning 12 matches and India securing three victories.