England Eye History in India Despite Kohli Absence, As Wood Vows “Free Hit”
England are eyeing a historic series victory in India, aiming to break a decade-long drought and etch their name in the record books. Despite facing the daunting task of conquering Indian soil, where they haven’t triumphed since 2012, fast bowler Mark Wood exudes confidence, calling it a “free hit.”
“Not many teams come here and win,” Wood acknowledges, highlighting the challenge. “We could go down in flames, but we will give it a good go.”
England’s recent success under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum fuels their optimism. Since their summer 2022 takeover, they haven’t lost a Test series, even achieving the once-unthinkable feat of a 3-0 sweep in Pakistan last winter.
“Definitely,” Wood declares when asked about chasing another piece of history. Pakistan were the last team to win a five-Test series in India back in 1987, a feat England hope to emulate or surpass.
The road to glory, however, won’t be paved with ease. Since their last series win in 2012, they’ve suffered heavy defeats in 2016 (4-0) and 2021 (3-1).
Wood, likely to debut in an Indian Test, could spearhead the attack with his express pace on the dry Hyderabad pitch, potentially partnering veteran James Anderson. Spinner selection poses a conundrum, with Jack Leach vying for a spot alongside uncapped Tom Hartley or teenage sensation Rehan Ahmed, who impressed on debut in Pakistan.
Adding to the intrigue is the absence of Indian batting behemoth Virat Kohli, who pulled out of the first two Tests due to personal reasons. While acknowledging the cricketing impact of his absence, Wood prioritizes Kohli’s well-being, stating, “In terms of cricket, it’s a plus that we’re not having to bowl to Virat Kohli.
“I’m sure he’ll play some role in the series. Away from the cricket, we wish him all the best.”
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Kohli’s absence presents an opportunity for others to step up, as India coach Rahul Dravid aptly points out. With their batting talisman out, India, like England, have much to prove in this high-stakes showdown.
Wood is one of five England players who endured the bitter taste of their humiliating World Cup performance in India last year. Determined to erase that memory, he vows, “We came here with big expectations and we didn’t live up to it. We want to create something as a group this time.”
Will England rewrite history on Indian soil or will the familiar ghosts of past defeats resurface? The first Test in Hyderabad promises to be a riveting battle, where both sides have their demons to conquer and dreams to chase.
