India and England are gearing up for an exciting five-match Test series, set to kick off on 25th January at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. With India currently occupying the second spot on the ICC World Test Championship points table and England positioned eighth, the stage is set for a high-stakes battle.
Adding to the anticipation is England’s change in strategy, adopting the Bazball style of play under coach Brendon McCullum. The last time England clinched a Test series victory in India was back in 2012, led by Alastair Cook. However, this time around, there is renewed excitement surrounding England’s approach, especially after their recent tour of India in 2021, where they started with a win but faced defeat in the subsequent three Tests.
Also read- Why is Mohammed Shami not playing IND vs ENG 2024 Test Series?
One of the key points of focus leading up to the series opener is India’s opening partnership. Rohit Sharma, a stalwart at the top of the order, has been a consistent performer. The question on everyone’s mind is: Who will open with Rohit Sharma in the 1st Test against England?
Yashasvi Jaiswal emerges as a strong contender, given his stellar performances in the T20I format. Having showcased his cricketing prowess, Jaiswal has earned accolades for his aggressive and dynamic batting style. However, the competition is stiff, with Shubman Gill also vying for the opening slot.
The spotlight intensifies on the team management’s decision as they weigh the pros and cons of choosing between Jaiswal and Gill. Jaiswal’s T20I success demonstrates his ability to take on bowlers aggressively, while Gill brings Test experience and a solid technique to the table.
Yashasvi Jaiswal Test Stats
| Batting | |
| Innings: | 7 |
| Not Outs: | 0 |
| Aggregate: | 316 |
| Highest Score: | 171 |
| Average: | 45.14 |
| 50s: | 1 |
| 100s: | 1 |
| Ducks: | 1 |
| 4s: | 40 |
| 6s: | 3 |
| Scoring Rate | 54.86 |
Yashasvi Jaiswal has shown promise in Test cricket with an aggregate of 316 runs in seven innings, boasting a notable average of 45.14. His highest score of 171, coupled with a scoring rate of 54.86, underlines his ability to make impactful contributions at the crease, making him a compelling candidate for India’s opening slot in the upcoming series against England.
As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the opening clash in Hyderabad, the question remains: Who will partner Rohit Sharma at the top of the order? The answer lies in the hands of the team management, who must carefully assess the strengths and weaknesses of both Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill to make the right call for a winning start against England.