IND vs ENG 2024: England have thrown some punches to push India back – Ian Bell says series ‘is in the balance’ ahead of Rajkot Test

Former England batter Ian Bell feels the series is in the balance after India won the second Test match at Vizag to level the scores. Bell said England has thrown some punches to push India back. The visitors won the opening Test match at Hyderabad as they registered a 28-run win.

England was under the cosh after conceding a huge lead of 190 runs in the first innings but Ollie Pope scored a magnificent knock of 196 runs.

Meanwhile, Ben Stokes has been aggressive in his captaincy and England has certainly given India a run for their money as they have ticked the right boxes.

“I suppose the Indian media was very confident that it’s going to be 5-0 before the series started. No doubt that this India team is worried about this England side, which is great. I think England have thrown some real punches to push India back,” said Bell on Star Sports.

“It’s going to come down to again, someone like Ollie Pope did in that first game to get a big hundred, that’s really important to really put yourself in the game, but they look threatening,” Bell added.

Bell reckons India will be under more pressure than England in the third Test match as the hosts were supposed to be leading in the series.

“I think the Indian lineup has got amazing amount of talent, but again, there will be doubt there. Not that they don’t have the talent and ability, but I feel there will a bit more pressure at the moment on India. Let’s hope so. But it’s in the balance right now. But I think if someone can do what Ollie Pope did in the first Test, we can put pressure on India,” said Bell.

The third Test match between India and England will be played at Rajkot from 15th February onwards.