NEWS
Follow UsFormer England spinner Monty Panesar has backed India to lift the World Test Championship (WTC) trophy and adds that they can also complete a 5-0 whitewash over England in the following series, given that the conditions will be in their favour.
India take on New Zealand in the WTC final in Southampton on June 18 and then take on England in the five-Test series beginning on August 4. "I think India is going through their best time. When the weather is warm in August, they can even play with two spinners in English conditions. The current Indian team has the potential to defeat England 5-0. After Alastair Cook's retirement, the English top-order hasn't looked reliable. If India managed to register a clean sweep, it'll be their greatest overseas series win," Panesar said in a chat with India TV.
"Spinners will also play a crucial role in the WTC final in Southampton. We'll have to see how the ICC prepares the pitch for the event. For the Test series, England will obviously go with a green wicket. But for the WTC final, I think the ICC should prepare a neutral wicket. It'll be the perfect advertisement for the WTC if the final spans over 4 or 5 days," he added.
Panesar also reckons Ravindra Jadeja will be the X-Factor, after the all-rounder's good show in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
"For me, Ravindra Jadeja will be the X-factor. He's been in terrific form in the IPL. If India decides to go with just one spinner, I'll go with Jadeja instead of R Ashwin as the spin-bowling option. Jadeja's defensive bowling skill and being a left-armer give him an upper hand," said Panesar.