There is a mountain for England to climb whatever the formbook might say. Recent history suggests they have a better chance of winning here than anywhere else in India since they have been victorious in their past two Tests at the Wankhede Stadium.
In 2012, they won by 10 wickets after Kevin Pietersen had played one of the innings of the decade, 186 from 233 balls, during which he overwhelmed Ravi Ashwin on a turning track; meanwhile Alastair Cook hit 122, a knock that was merely excellent. In 2006, England won by 212 runs after Rahul Dravid had inserted Andrew Flintoff’s side – Owais Shah made a fine Test debut and Shaun Udal polished off the second India innings with figures of four for 14.
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