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Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden endorsed India to emerge victorious in the five-match Test series against England, commending their strong home record and their ability to pose a significant challenge to visiting teams. Despite not winning their last three home Tests, India rebounded with a commanding performance, defeating England convincingly in Vizag and Rajkot.
"I think it's India all the way. I was looking at the result this morning and thought that India, as a touring side, is a challenge for this reason. It's a battle of energy and conservation of that resource, which is very limited," Hayden told Star Sports.
India lead series 2-1 vs England
In the Vizag and Rajkot Tests, India faced the absence of key players like KL Rahul and Virat Kohli but still managed to secure comprehensive victories in both matches. Initially considered as an 'under-strength' team, India witnessed new heroes emerging in every session of the Test matches. After a 106-run victory in Vizag, India went on to achieve their largest-ever margin of victory in terms of runs in Rajkot, winning by a remarkable 434 runs and taking a 2-1 lead in the series.
Hayden also emphasised that besides the on-field contest, the visitors have to contend with the mental battle, especially with the strong involvement of the Indian crowd.
England need to be guru to topple India
"The game, the spectators and the country just keeps coming at you. There's this great energy in India, especially in winning against England, and you can put Australia on that list as well, especially now. You have to be a guru and have to have a mindset of stillness just to be able to survive mentally there. You have already seen England this series get in front of games, but not be able to sustain it. And it is because of the relentless nature of having to turn up every moment, every ball, every session," Hayden said.
Despite failing to capitalise on advantageous situations in the last two Tests, the England team, under the leadership of Ben Stokes, maintains optimism regarding their prospects of winning the Test series. India are gearing up to confront England in the fourth Test, slated to take place in Ranchi starting February 23.
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