Former England batter David Lloyd has predicted that Ben Stokes’ team would register a convincing 4-0 win against India in the ongoing five-match series. England won the opening Test of the series by five wickets at Leeds, Headingley, to draw first blood in the series.
India dropped eight catches in the opening Test and thus could not take their opportunities. Furthermore, India suffered two batting collapses, losing 7-41 in the first innings and then losing 6-31 in the second essay.
On the other hand, England were brilliant in the second innings as they chased down 371 after Ben Duckett scored a match-winning knock of 149 runs.
“I want to change mine (prediction) to 5-0. No, I’ll stay with 4-0, because you never know with rain. They could not catch,” Lloyd said on the Stick to Cricket podcast.
Meanwhile, Lloyd showered praise on Ben Duckett, who returned with scores of 62 and 149. Duckett was awarded Player of the Match and Lloyd said the left-hander is England’s answer to former Indian pugnacious opener, Virender Sehwag.
“Ben Duckett has come a long way since he poured a drink over Jimmy Anderson on an Ashes tour. He is now England’s answer to Virender Sehwag and opening the batting in your World XI. The reverse sweep is such a natural shot for him. He plays it for fun. It’s no surprise to learn he was a good hockey player at school because it’s like a hockey shot,” Lloyd wrote in his column for the Daily Mail.
England openers – Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett – added 188 runs for the opening alliance on the fifth day and played a key role in the home team’s win. The second Test match between India and England will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham, from July 2nd onwards.
