Graeme Smith warns England about their chances in Test series against India

Graeme Smith warns England about their chances in Test series against India

NEW DELHI: Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith issued a warning to England about their chances in the current Test series against India, stating that if the hosts “get their noses ahead then they are tough to catch.”

Having won the opening game, England lost their next two matches and trailed 1-2 in the five-game series.

Although Smith, who is currently the director of cricket for Cricket South Africa, praised Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum for continuing to play in India according to their chosen style, making their opponent think before they move, he warned that it would be difficult to catch up to India as the series progresses.

“There’s always been a lot of talent, but they seem to have taken away the fear, provided a lot of security for people and look at the game in a really positive way. England are certainly sticking true to the way that they want to play in India by applying pressure on the opposition and making them think,” Smith was quoted by Wisden.

The former Proteas batsman also counseled England to stick to their strategy and remain psychologically fresh since playing India, where they will be required to spend long days on the field in the sweltering heat, can wear them out as the series goes on.

“It’s a very long tour and toiling against India like you have to, with long days in the field combined with the heat, can wear you down towards the back end of a series. Staying mentally fresh, positive, and within your gameplan is important. England have done that well so far and need to hang tough for as long as possible, because if India get their noses ahead then they’ll be very difficult to chase down,” he said.

No one has beaten India in a series in India since 2012. Out of 44 Tests at home since the beginning of 2013, India have won a whopping 36 and lost just two (vs Australia in 2017 and vs England in 2021).

Smith pointed to the ability to compete away from home as being what separates the best from the rest. “Being able to win away from home is the differentiator between a good team and a great team. There’s no greater challenge than travelling into someone else’s backyard for a few months at a time with their crowds, their media and their conditions, and proving that you have the team and the capabilities to compete there and win over an extended period.”

“That’s something that we saw with the great West Indies side of the 1970s and 80s, and the great Australia side of the 1990s and 2000s – they really did dominate around the world. The South Africa side that I captained went nine years without losing a Test series away from home, but that consistency on the road hasn’t been present in the world game of late. India, Australia and now England have all had teams with plenty of ability since then, but if you want to really step up then you need to do it away from home,” concluded Smith.

With India leading 2-1 in the five-match series, England will look to level it up by winning the fourth Test, commences on Friday in Ranchi.

(With IANS inputs)

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