New Delhi — As anticipation builds for the five-match Test series between India and England, a deeper look at the two squads reveals an intriguing battle ahead—especially between India’s youthful-yet-experienced batting order and England’s relatively inexperienced bowling attack.
With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma missing from the tour, many critics questioned India’s firepower in the batting department. However, a closer analysis shows that despite their absence, India’s top-order batters hold a significant experience advantage over England’s bowling line-up.
England’s Bowling Looks Thin on Experience
England’s primary bowling options for the opening Test are Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and Shoaib Bashir, with skipper Ben Stokes expected to contribute as the fifth bowler. Of these, only Woakes and Stokes carry considerable international experience. The rest have collectively played just 24 Test matches — Carse (5), Tongue (3), and Bashir (16).
This inexperience could prove to be a potential weak link, especially against an Indian side that, while young, brings far more match mileage.
India’s Top Order Has the Upper Hand
India’s batting unit, despite being dubbed inexperienced by some, boasts more than 100 combined Test appearances among its top four. Yashasvi Jaiswal, expected to open, has already played 19 Tests, showing his evolution as a reliable top-order batter. Shubman Gill, likely to bat at No. 4, brings the experience of 32 Tests.
At No. 3, if Karun Nair is included, he adds another 6 Tests to the tally. Even without KL Rahul, the Indian top four would have a combined total of 115 Test appearances—significantly more than England’s bowling quartet, which together have played 81 Tests (including Woakes and Stokes).
A Mental Advantage?
This experience gap may offer India a psychological edge, particularly in the opening Test at Headingley. Indian batters are known for thriving under pressure, and if they manage to negotiate the initial spells from Woakes and Stokes, they could easily target the less-seasoned English bowlers.
Moreover, India’s batting line-up has shown adaptability on overseas pitches in recent years, and the absence of swing specialists like James Anderson may make conditions slightly more manageable.
Who Will Seize the Moment?
This series presents a key opportunity for India’s next generation to step into the void left by senior players and stamp their authority on foreign soil. Conversely, England’s new-look bowling attack will aim to silence the critics and prove their mettle in home conditions.
With both teams having strengths and gaps, the upcoming Test series is poised to be a battle of composure, strategy, and seizing the right moments. Whether India’s seasoned young batters can overpower England’s untested bowlers will be one of the central storylines when play begins on June 20 in Leeds.
