Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene believes England are “very well prepared” and can pose a challenge against a tough Indian side after a comprehensive series win over Sri Lanka. Jayawardene said that having the likes of Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer and spin duo of Dom Bess and Jack Leach will boost England’s chances vs India.
England defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets at the Galle International Stadium to complete a clean sweep over the hosts in the 2-match Test series but face a much more daunting task in India, where the first Test in Chennai begins on February 5.
“I think that’s going to be a very exciting series and a very good challenge for this group of players. That’s what cricket is all about. You need to go away and win the Test series,” Jayawardene opined.
“Jofra Archer will bring something to the table with his pace, especially on slower wickets. So I think overall they [England] are very well prepared.
“The two spinners [Dom Bess and Jack Leech] will have learned a lot here but it will be a bigger challenge in India.”
England and India will play in a four-Test series, with the first two matches set to played in Chennai, before the series moves to Ahmedabad for the final two Tests. The third Test of the series will be a day-night encounter, starting on 24 February.
