Unstoppable force up against immovable object

Bazball’s biggest challenge begins with first Test starting today

- SWAROOP SWAMINATHAN

BEASTS." That's the word Ben Stokes used to describe India's Test match record at home. It's well documented. The last time they lost a series was in 2012. Since then, the hosts have been utterly dominant.

You can say that they are immovable object in the sport's longest format in these conditions.

The Indian side have passed some seemingly stern exams on paper with flying colours. They had a scare against Australia in 2017 when the Steve Smith-led side won the opening game and were ahead in a live final rubber before the spin duo of R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja triggered a collapse in the third innings. That was the last time the hosts went into a final Test without an unassailable lead. It perfectly captures their superiority. It also explains why Stokes used that word.

But this England team have something about them. Bazball Offie Bashir gets visa England's Pakistan-origin offspinner Shoaib Bashir was on Wednesday granted visa to play in the Test series against India.

"Shoaib Bashir has now received his visa, and is due to travel to join up with the team in India this weekend. We're glad the situation has now been resolved," the England and Wales Cricket Board posted on its X page on the eve of the first Test has been a breath of fresh air because of the relentless positive messaging this side has indulged in. Previous England sides especially the one that came to these shores in 2021 had a more dour personality.