Former India coach Sanjay Bangar has added that Team India have a good chance to take an early lead in the Test series against England as well. He also added that the Indian team have prepared well and that the conditions in Leeds could favour them. The first Test of the five-match Test series will be played at Headingley in Leeds from Friday, June 20, onwards.

During an interaction on the Star Sports show ‘Follow the Blues,’ Bangar said, “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. 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.”

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However, Sanjay Bangar was asked about England’s weaknesses and strengths heading into the first Test as well.

“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 added.

“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,” Sanjay Bangar concluded.