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England’s batsmen, and especially Joe Root, must control their emotions and their shotmaking to set a platform for successIf you look at the statistics, at the number of years since India last lost a series at home, how dominant they have been and for how long, it would be very easy for England’s fans and for that matter their players to think: “Why bother?” Instead they need to be asking “what needs to change?” What might make this difficult challenge more achievable?In that context the news that Virat Kohli will miss at least the first two Tests is a massive boost for England and a blow for their opponents. It is like taking Joe Root out of the England side. It will leave a huge hole, and what a tonic for the tourists to know they can go hard against opponents without their premium player. Harry Brook’s absence for England is unfortunate, but it is not comparable. Continue reading...