Former England spinner, in a interview with Times of India has warned that England could be smoked 2-0 or 2-1 in the upcoming test series against Virat Kohli's men in India. Speaking to TOI, the former spinner said, India will win the series, but I will be surprised if India beat England 4-0, for me it will be 2-1 or 2-0. Continuing further he said, I don't think there will be a whitewash, but I think India are favourities to win the series due to the home conditions. England have got a strong seam attack, but the batting is going to be the weakest point, because you look at the openers who keep getting out to spinners. India are going to exploit that. The young English batsmen are not as adaptable as Joe root is, so I would say, it is India who will clinch the series.
Panesar suggested that Ashwin will come into the series ‘with tons of confidence’ after a terrific series on the Aussie soil. “Ashwin had a great tour of Australia and will come into the series with tons of confidence. How England play Ashwin will decide the outcome of the series. Ashwin has become smarter with the way he has bowled in recent times and is in prime form,” Panesar told TOI. The former Ennglish spinner also reckons, the absence of Ravindra Jadeja will be a big setback for the hosts as Ashwin would need support from the other end to maintain pressure. The left-arm spinner is likely to miss the majority of the England Tests after fracturing his thumb in the third Test against Australia. Jadeja will be missed. The second spinner will be crucial for India as Ashwin will need support from the other end to put England under pressure. They have named Axar Patel in the squad but I do believe that Jadeja adds a different dimension to the Indian team,” added Panesar. The last time England won a Test series in India was in 2012 when the English side emerged victorious and clinced the series 2-1. Panesar was part of that triumphant English team in 2012-13 claiming 17 wickets in 3 Tests.
