Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar has backed India to stun England in the opening Test match at Leeds. While India has an inexperienced batting line-up after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s Test retirement, England has a bleak fast bowling battery.

With bowlers like Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Gus Atkinson not being part of the opening Test, India has a golden opportunity to draw first blood in the series. However, there is no doubt that the visitors would need to come up with a collective effort with both bat and ball in tough English conditions.

“I feel the preparations have gone very well, and the main reason for that is that two official matches have been played on this tour thus far. The two matches they played against England A are very important,” Sanjay Bangar said on Star Sports show Follow the Blues.

“So, I see an opportunity where we are starting at the northern venues. The advantage of that is that India could take the lead at the start of the series. That’s a possibility. I am quite excited looking at this itinerary,” the former India batting coach added.

Bangar reckons India has a better bowling attack than England as the home team is missing players due to injury and fitness woes.

“We are better in bowling for sure on paper, because the kind of bowlers they have chosen, they lack a little experience and don’t have that much pedigree either, and that team is under transition as well. The main bowlers like Mark Wood and Jofra Archer are missing,” he replied.

“Since Broad and Anderson have retired, they don’t have that support as well. A lot of things will depend on how Chris Woakes performs the leadership role in bowling. India are superior in the spin department and fast bowling. In batting, since the experience of local conditions is vital, I believe England are stronger there,” Bangar observed.

The opening Test match between India and England will be played at Leeds, Headingley, from June 20 onwards.