India v England Test Series 2021

[super J]

Be interesting to see what pitches India prepare for the England series. Given the quality of their fast bowlers these days you'd think they want some pace and movement, but that may then bring Broad, Anderson and Archer into play and even out the contest.

If it's just the usual dust bowl then India will win comfortably.

 

[sheffbee]

I take your point about the improvement in their fast bowling but India at home...... I'm expecting slow dust bowl !

 

[Bristolian Bee]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/55747795

England squad for first two Tests in India:

Joe Root (Yorkshire) (captain), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), James Anderson (Lancashire), Dom Bess (Yorkshire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Rory Burns (Surrey), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Zak Crawley (Kent), Ben Foakes (Surrey), Dan Lawrence (Essex), Jack Leach (Somerset), Dom Sibley (Warwickshire), Ben Stokes (Durham), Olly Stone (Warwickshire), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire).Reserves: James Bracey (Gloucestershire), Mason Crane (Hampshire), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire), Matthew Parkinson (Lancashire), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Amar Virdi (Surrey).

Chance of the first ever Stokesy Foakesy Woakesy trifecta for the second test???

National selector Ed Smith has confirmed that Jos Buttler will leave the tour after the first Test, meaning Ben Foakes will keep wicket in the second.

In other news...no TMS

talkSPORT announces world-class team for exclusive coverage of India vs England

talkSPORT will be the exclusive radio broadcaster for England’s tour of India, starting next month, with every ball of every game live on talkSPORT 2. Ashes winner Kevin Pietersen will join the awa…

talksport.com

 

[Bristolian Bee]

In other news...no TMS

talkSPORT announces world-class team for exclusive coverage of India vs England

talkSPORT will be the exclusive radio broadcaster for England’s tour of India, starting next month, with every ball of every game live on talkSPORT 2. Ashes winner Kevin Pietersen will join the awa…

talksport.com

A good explanation below of the extraordinary technical challenge of remote TMS broadcasting.
It was superb and had I not known I would not have known
A tough act for TalkSh*te to follow and a disgrace in the midst of a national crisis that thousands will be denied the escapist mental health boost that access to live coverage of such a huuuge series via conventional widely available radio and/or TV provides

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/55731589

 

[Judio1999]

When will Sky Sports come in with a last minute bid so we can WATCH the Test Series ???

All I have seen is some Disney online stream having the rights

 

[Bristolian Bee]

When will Sky Sports come in with a last minute bid so we can WATCH the Test Series ???

All I have seen is some Disney online stream having the rights

Looks like it's a done deal

5 things for cricket lovers to look out for in 2021 as England eye white-ball domination

Cricket heads to Disney’s Hotstar while England are eyeing T20 glory - but what else should we look out for in 2021?

inews.co.uk

Another streaming service – Disney’s Hotstar – is set to show England’s tour of India starting in February after Sky and BT Sport were unable to reach agreement to show the four Tests, five T20s and three ODIs.

Exclusive: Disney to show England's tour of India with Amazon contending for Ashes in TV revolution

England cricket supporters will face having to pay multiple subscriptions to watch the team play their biggest Test series of 2021

www.telegraph.co.uk

Sky has had a virtual monopoly over England’s tours since 1990.
The last Ashes series on BT Sport was the first England tour for decades to have not been shown live on Sky, which has had a difficult relationship with the Indian board and has not shown any of its cricket for the past two years.

Out of principle on top of my Sky subscription I refuse to pay but it is *only* £6/month

Exclusive Shows, Movies & Live Cricket Streaming on Hotstar

Enjoy the latest shows & movies, when it airs along with live cricket streaming only on Hotstar. Get your Membership now!...

www.hotstar.com

 

[Indian Bee]

Looks like it's a done deal

5 things for cricket lovers to look out for in 2021 as England eye white-ball domination

Cricket heads to Disney’s Hotstar while England are eyeing T20 glory - but what else should we look out for in 2021?

inews.co.uk

Exclusive: Disney to show England's tour of India with Amazon contending for Ashes in TV revolution

England cricket supporters will face having to pay multiple subscriptions to watch the team play their biggest Test series of 2021

www.telegraph.co.uk

Out of principle on top of my Sky subscription I refuse to pay but it is *only* £6/month

Exclusive Shows, Movies & Live Cricket Streaming on Hotstar

Enjoy the latest shows & movies, when it airs along with live cricket streaming only on Hotstar. Get your Membership now!...

www.hotstar.com

Completely agree. Out of principle one should not pay more than they are now for Sky. I am really surprised that Sky didn't meet BCCI asking price. Whilst I appreciate BCCI can be difficult to deal with - Sky would have recouped their costs and how especially during lockdown and it's a series lots would want to see.

Having said that two months worth of quality cricket for a combined £12? Or what I have done is taking out a 12 month SIM only deal with 02 for my mum (her contract coming up) and one get Disney plus free as an extra.

One another related topic, heard that Cricket Australia made £170m in revenue just from the recent India series.

 

[Gazza Bee]

Upgraded my SIM only deal and managed to cut my monthly cost by a fiver and get Disney+ free for 6 months so all set to go

 

[Indian Bee]

Upgraded my SIM only deal and managed to cut my monthly cost by a fiver and get Disney+ free for 6 months so all set to go

Superb ! makes sense.

 

[Indian Bee]

Both Ashwin and Bumrah as expected are in the squad for the first two tests and with Virat and Ishant back makes the side a lot stronger. Expect Jajeda will miss the series (a big loss being a left arm spinner and his recent batting) but expectation that Shami may well be back for the last two tests. Pleased Axar Patel is in - really useful with bat and ball. Our pace attack bearing any further injuries will be Bumrah, Ishant and Siraj - Ashwin will be main spinner with the only other question mark is whether we play Pandya (as a batter only) or Sundar (spinner and useful bat).

 

[m3 bee]

I got a better deal with the RAC than my old provider

 

[Gazza Bee]

Both Ashwin and Bumrah as expected are in the squad for the first two tests and with Virat and Ishant back makes the side a lot stronger. Expect Jajeda will miss the series (a big loss being a left arm spinner and his recent batting) but expectation that Shami may well be back for the last two tests. Pleased Axar Patel is in - really useful with bat and ball. Our pace attack bearing any further injuries will be Bumrah, Ishant and Siraj - Ashwin will be main spinner with the only other question mark is whether we play Pandya (as a batter only) or Sundar (spinner and useful bat).

I like Sundar a lot so leave him out please

 

[Indian Bee]

I like Sundar a lot so leave him out please

I am not in favour of 'resting' players. As Nasser said on commentary this morning, if this was the ashes would any players be rested? Probably note.

I am delighted that Butler is heading home after the first test with his experience of playing in India. It will be interesting to see how Foakes will perform. I have been advocating him for a year now and this is his chance.

 

[Gazza Bee]

I am not in favour of 'resting' players. As Nasser said on commentary this morning, if this was the ashes would any players be rested? Probably note.

I am delighted that Butler is heading home after the first test with his experience of playing in India. It will be interesting to see how Foakes will perform. I have been advocating him for a year now and this is his chance.

Im more surprised about Bairstow being left out of the tour considering his form in Sri Lanka and experience in IPL

 

[Les Beeavinu]

Im more surprised about Bairstow being left out of the tour considering his form in Sri Lanka and experience in IPL

I believe that it is because they consider too long in the bubble is really difficult for the players ( something that KB admitted to in an interview during the last test.

 

[Holysmit]

I believe that it is because they consider to long in the bubble is really difficult for the players ( something that KB admitted to in an interview during the last test.

I get that but let's face it they will be in a bubble in the UK anyway.

 

[Holysmit]

Completely agree. Out of principle one should not pay more than they are now for Sky. I am really surprised that Sky didn't meet BCCI asking price. Whilst I appreciate BCCI can be difficult to deal with - Sky would have recouped their costs and how especially during lockdown and it's a series lots would want to see.

Having said that two months worth of quality cricket for a combined £12? Or what I have done is taking out a 12 month SIM only deal with 02 for my mum (her contract coming up) and one get Disney plus free as an extra.

One another related topic, heard that Cricket Australia made £170m in revenue just from the recent India series.

Interesting a major reason as why England were seen as being the team to have on tour was due to the fact that test matches involving India didn't generate the same funds as no one was watching in India (supposedly I've never been to India so have no idea about this).

A revitalised interest in test match cricket in India would be huge for the game.

 

[Indian Bee]

Im more surprised about Bairstow being left out of the tour considering his form in Sri Lanka and experience in IPL

I actually don't think he has been rested. Bairstow has been in the Sri Lanka test tour more to make up the numbers with the absence of Burns, Stokes and Pope. He had a poor last ashes series and didn't perform in the one test he played against SA. No disrespect to Sri Lanka, but the India bowling attack is more impressive and present more challenges. I think England has moved on from Bairstow in test cricket (I bet he will score a 100 now tomorrow) and was fortunate with the LBW earlier today when it went umpires call.

Where England have got it right is resting Stokes and Archer for this tour. They will have pivot roles in India.

 

[Indian Bee]

Interesting a major reason as why England were seen as being the team to have on tour was due to the fact that test matches involving India didn't generate the same funds as no one was watching in India (supposedly I've never been to India so have no idea about this).

A revitalised interest in test match cricket in India would be huge for the game.

There is still a significant amount of people that watch test match cricket. The issue has not been a lack of interest more than the vast majority of Indians live on a daily wage. Not working for a day means no income, no food. Harsh realities for many still in India. The recent series win in Australia has certainly helped further revitalised test match cricket in India.

In addition, why England more recently have given 5 tests for India in England is the amount of money ECB will receive.

 

[Gazza Bee]

I actually don't think he has been rested. Bairstow has been in the Sri Lanka test tour more to make up the numbers with the absence of Burns, Stokes and Pope. He had a poor last ashes series and didn't perform in the one test he played against SA. No disrespect to Sri Lanka, but the India bowling attack is more impressive and present more challenges. I think England has moved on from Bairstow in test cricket (I bet he will score a 100 now tomorrow) and was fortunate with the LBW earlier today when it went umpires call.

Where England have got it right is resting Stokes and Archer for this tour. They will have pivot roles in India.

I'd rather have him at 3 than Crawley in India to be honest. Everyone knows he had a weakness against pace but is a decent player of spin and knows Indian conditions. Guess it depends what type of pitches are prepared - could deviate from spin to pace I suppose.

 

[Indian Bee]

I'd rather have him at 3 than Crawley in India to be honest. Everyone knows he had a weakness against pace but is a decent player of spin and knows Indian conditions. Guess it depends what type of pitches are prepared - could deviate from spin to pace I suppose.

I just cross-checked the last time England played at Chennai. I predict the wicket will be similar (at least for the 1st test) where first three days a batting paradise then spin take over in days 4 and 5.

Full Scorecard of England vs India 5th Test 2016/17 - Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

Complete Scorecard of England vs India 5th Test 2016/17, England tour of India only on ESPNcricinfo.com. Find the complete scorecard of England vs India 5th Test Online

www.espncricinfo.com

 

[Holysmit]

I'd rather have him at 3 than Crawley in India to be honest. Everyone knows he had a weakness against pace but is a decent player of spin and knows Indian conditions. Guess it depends what type of pitches are prepared - could deviate from spin to pace I suppose.

Crawley is a number 5 or 6 at the moment not an opener. See his career following roots in terms of starting off as an opener in county cricket then settling in the middle order.

 

[TW3Bee]

Ashwin will be main spinner with the only other question mark is whether we play Pandya (as a batter only) or Sundar (spinner and useful bat).

If Sundar is a spinner I would expect them to pick him against England.

 

[Les Beeavinu]

Shame Lawrence can't open - looks a very organised player.

 

[Bristolian Bee]

I just cross-checked the last time England played at Chennai.

Full Scorecard of England vs India 5th Test 2016/17 - Score Report | ESPNcricinfo.com

Complete Scorecard of England vs India 5th Test 2016/17, England tour of India only on ESPNcricinfo.com. Find the complete scorecard of England vs India 5th Test Online

www.espncricinfo.com

Clearly you posted that link purely for research purposes and not at all to deviously scare the crap out of every England&Wales fan who absent mindedly clicked on it. Yeah, righto.

 

[Indian Bee]

Clearly you posted that link purely for research purposes and not at all to deviously scare the crap out of every England&Wales fan who absent mindedly clicked on it. Yeah, righto.
View attachment 23844

lol would I do that

 

[Indian Bee]

Shame Lawrence can't open - looks a very organised player.

be good to know where he bats for his county club. First time I saw him bat (and his technique impressed me) was in the last test so honestly don’t know.

 

[Banana]

Shame Lawrence can't open - looks a very organised player.

Why can't he open?

 

[Les Beeavinu]

Why can't he open?

Well he can obviously but he doesn't play that role usually.

 

[Banana]

Well he can obviously but he doesn't play that role usually.

I reckon he could. Obviously I could too. But I mean he could do a decent job there.

 

[Les Beeavinu]

I reckon he could. Obviously I could too. But I mean he could do a decent job there.

It would seem unfair to ask a player who never opens to start doing so in India. And then of course drop him when he inevitably struggles.

 

[davido_i]

He usually bats 4 for Essex in CC, but from memory has opened in some shorter formats (20-20).
It would be a big call for him to open for England & painful to take for the selected openers, so the current pair plus Burns.
But it is clear that we have top 3 problems to solve for the India tour...

 

[cheshirebee]

So, I’ve had a look at Disney Plus on our TV (thanks to our youngest daughter we are subscribers) but can’t see any link to Hotstar or anything else that would likely show cricket.
Is there any official confirmation that a standard UK Disney Plus subscription will give access ?

 

[Holysmit]

During all this talk of rotation. I feel we have missed a trick in not flying Kumar Dharamesena over with us from Sri Lanka. He rarely let's us down and gives us a 12th man on occasions!

 

[SH]

So, I’ve had a look at Disney Plus on our TV (thanks to our youngest daughter we are subscribers) but can’t see any link to Hotstar or anything else that would likely show cricket.
Is there any official confirmation that a standard UK Disney Plus subscription will give access ?

According to this (month old) Wisden link... "From February 23, a day before the third Test of the series gets underway, Hotstar content will be also available on Disney Plus." I guess it's a case of watch this space to see if they bring it forward with the first test starting on February 5....

Disney To Show India-England Series In The UK - Report

Disney are set to show England’s upcoming Test series in India on their Hotstar streaming platform, according to a report in the Telegraph.

wisden.com

 

[cheshirebee]

According to this (month old) Wisden link... "From February 23, a day before the third Test of the series gets underway, Hotstar content will be also available on Disney Plus." I guess it's a case of watch this space to see if they bring it forward with the first test starting on February 5....

Disney To Show India-England Series In The UK - Report

Disney are set to show England’s upcoming Test series in India on their Hotstar streaming platform, according to a report in the Telegraph.

wisden.com

Thanks SH. Sounds encouraging.

 

[wanderer paul]

During all this talk of rotation. I feel we have missed a trick in not flying Kumar Dharamesena over with us from Sri Lanka. He rarely let's us down and gives us a 12th man on occasions!

I think it was Nasser and Bumble who discussed the umpire situation in India.

India have one umpire on the elite panel and, even then, he’s only umpired in a handful of Tests!!

The umpiring of these Tests are going to be interesting!

 

[nick logan]

I get that but let's face it they will be in a bubble in the UK anyway.

yes and its freezing here

 

[Indian Bee]

So, I’ve had a look at Disney Plus on our TV (thanks to our youngest daughter we are subscribers) but can’t see any link to Hotstar or anything else that would likely show cricket.
Is there any official confirmation that a standard UK Disney Plus subscription will give access ?

If I w

According to this (month old) Wisden link... "From February 23, a day before the third Test of the series gets underway, Hotstar content will be also available on Disney Plus." I guess it's a case of watch this space to see if they bring it forward with the first test starting on February 5....

Disney To Show India-England Series In The UK - Report

Disney are set to show England’s upcoming Test series in India on their Hotstar streaming platform, according to a report in the Telegraph.

wisden.com

It’s inconceivable that the first two tests won’t be showing at all in the UK. So definitely expecting Disney plus to show all the test matches but hearing Sky are also in some last minute talks. Leaving it really late if they are with only 10 days or so until the first test.

 

[Nada Bee]

Who would of thought when growing up that Disney and test match cricket in India would go hand in hand by 2021.

 

[Bristolian Bee]

TV rights for England tour of India still up for grabs with three possible scenarios in play

Channel 4 is one of the interested parties with fans still in the dark over how they can watch much-anticipated series

www.telegraph.co.uk

Sky BT Sport and/or Channel 4 (!) apparently in negotiations

 

[Holysmit]

TV rights for England tour of India still up for grabs with three possible scenarios in play

Channel 4 is one of the interested parties with fans still in the dark over how they can watch much-anticipated series

www.telegraph.co.uk

Sky BT Sport and/or Channel 4 (!) apparently in negotiations

Anyone but BT. Anyone but BT.

 

[Bristolian Bee]

Or Hotstar. Still could go to them.

 

[Alan D]

This is going to be very tough for England. India have only lost once and drawn five of the last forty three test matches that have been played in India.

 

[Holysmit]

This is going to be very tough for England. India have only lost once and drawn five of the last forty three test matches that have been played in India.

Oh we have no chance. India are world class.

We have some World class players but the rest are all youngsters who are developing. We will be very strong in a few years I predict but right now we are very much on a learning curve which this will be.

I'm starting to think we might be able to win the Ashes tho!

 

[RAF_Patto]

Cricket on 4! Bring it back!

Excited for this test series, always a huge test for any team but a great lead up to the summer and Ashes.

Anyone else managed to get tickets for the home series? Headingley for me!

 

[badgerbee]

Michael Vaughan on TMS the other day saying it will be astonishing if we get anything out of this series....

 

[Judio1999]

We can still hope for coverage....

Hotstar, Disney Or Sky: Where Can England Fans Watch The India Test Series On TV?

With the first Test just over a week away, there is still no answer of where fans will be able to watch the India-England series on TV.

wisden.com

 

[SH]

From this morning’s Times:

“Star Sports in India owns the rights to the Test and limited-overs series in February and March and had originally decided it would only make the matches available to UK viewers via its own streaming service Hotstar, which would involve viewers taking out an additional monthly subscription.

However, there has been a change of strategy by the host broadcaster and they have recently entered negotiations with BT Sports, Sky Sports and Channel 4, although a deal is yet to be finalised. It is not unusual for series played in India not to finalise television deals until the last moment.”

Channel 4 approaches big names as pundits for England’s Tests in India

Channel 4 has approached several star names to be pundits for next month’s India v England Test and limited-overs series as the broadcaster closes in on the TV rights.The approaches reinforce Channel

www.thetimes.co.uk

 

[Mark H]

Michael Vaughan on TMS the other day saying it will be astonishing if we get anything out of this series....

I agree with him. India on their own patch will be much too strong for us I fear.