England’s much-anticipated tour of India next year is set to include a five-match T20I series, a three-match ODI series and an exciting five-match Test series, starting on January 22, 2025. The action-packed India vs England series is expected to be a exciting project for fans.
Ahead of England’s much-anticipated tour of India, Michael Vaughan has suggested a tactical change in the tourists’ batting line-up to better deal with the threat of India’s star paceman Jasprit Bumrah, especially against right-handers.
Michael Vaughan suggests changing the order in England to face Jasprit Bhamra
The former England captain believes moving Ben Stokes to number three could be an effective way to minimize Bumrah’s impact, especially with the new ball in the upcoming Test series in India.
Michael Vaughan’s suggestion comes from a recent analysis in Australia, where the commentator observed how Jasprit Bumrah’s deliveries pose a significant challenge for the right-hander who swings sharply. Notably, India and Australia are currently competing in the BGT 2024-25.
He has pointed out that left-handers like Ben Stokes are generally more comfortable facing Bamrah, and that having the all-rounder higher up the order could prove beneficial to their consistency in the top-order. Vaughan also believes that this move can affect the opposition’s tactics and help England better manage Australia’s bowling attack as well.
Left-handers best suited to face Jasprit Bumrah: Michael Vaughan
The former England captain feels that Jasprit Bumrah’s deliveries are an area that could be his weakness and the left-hander can exploit this as he claimed that left-handers are better suited to face the Indian pacemaker.
Michael Vaughan wrote in his column for the Telegraph: “I think this simple exchange is perfect for the year ahead for England. In a Test in Australia, I saw firsthand why England need another left-hander in the top three. Jasprit Bumrah puts the ball on the right-hander’s pads with the brand new ball and causes absolute carnage to the likes of Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith.”
He added, “Left-handers are better suited to face Bumrah. It would be handy to have Stokes at No. 3 in Australia, too, because the extra left-hander might tempt Australia to use Nathan Lyon earlier, which in turn means the quicks aren’t bowling in the short swing window.’
India, Australia and England are all involved in Test action
Currently, the Indian cricket team is on a tour of Australia where they are playing the iconic Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The tourists have already won the first Test by 295 runs in Perth thanks to Jasprit Bumrah’s 8-wicket haul, Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s centuries against Australia.
Now, the Indian team would be keen to extend their 1-0 lead in Adelaide when they take on the hosts Australia in the second Test from December 6. This will be a day-night test match. On the other hand, England are currently playing a three-match Test series in New Zealand.
The Ben Stokes-led England cricket team registered an eight-wicket win over New Zealand in the first Test at Hagley Oval on Sunday. It is worth noting that Stokes has missed four Tests this year due to a hamstring injury.
