The first test between India and England is all set to begin on January 25 (Thursday) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. This will be the start of the five-match test series, which is part of the World Test Championship 2023–25.
England was the last team to win a test series back in 2012–23. The Indian selection committee announced the squad for the first two tests. However, just ahead of the first test, the hosts suffered a big blow. Virat Kohli has withdrawn from the first two games because of personal issues.
He talked to Rohit Sharma, Indian management, and the BCCI and made the request. Hence, the Indian board has accepted his request, and Virat will not be a part of the upcoming series. This will definitely be a big factor in the first two matches, as Virat has scored the most runs against England in tests by an Indian batter.
It might also work in favour of England. That’s what English speedster Mark Wood also reckons. In an interaction ahead of the first game, Wood said that if Virat has withdrawn from the matches, then there might be some real issue, and he hopes everything is well.
However, the pacer also said that not having Virat on the opposition side will be a big factor, as he is a big player and among the best in the world. Wood said, “It’s obviously a huge impact cricketing-wise. It is a plus that we’re not having to bowl to Virat Kohli.”
This series is very important for both sides in order to stay in the race for the World Test Championship 2023–25. Whoever wins this series will jump up on the WTC table. However, India’s record at home is just impeccable, and it will be a huge challenge for England. But since Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum have taken charge, England has been successful. So it is going to be an epic series between the two powerhouses.
