India vs England: India are undercooked for Edgbaston Test, says Moeen Ali

Moeen Ali explains why Stokes & Co. will be favourites in BirminghamMUMBAI: England's smashing form, which has seen them clean sweep New Zealand 3-0 in the recent Test series at home, makes them the favourites for the rescheduled fifth Test against India at Edgbaston, feels England allrounder Moeen Ali. "If this series had finished off last year, India would've won it.

If you had asked me 4-5 weeks ago, I would've said India would win. But now I feel (that) England will win. India are a little bit undercooked," Moeen said on Tuesday from Birmingham.

"Last year, India had four games under their belt. This time they've had a practice game and some net sessions. At the moment, England, in my opinion, are the favourites, because they've just played three good Tests, and the way they are playing, they are very confident compared to last year.

Their mindset has changed and they're playing positive cricket. India will still be very difficult. They've a fantastic bowling side," Moeen said.

Moeen, who played his last Test at the Oval during that unfinished series last year, said India would miss skipper Rohit Sharma - if he fails to recover from Covid in time - and his fellow opener KL Rahul, who is out with a groin injury. Both the openers provided fine starts to the team during that series, which India currently lead 2-1. "I also feel that the combination with KL Rahul and Rohit, the way they were batting last year.

. . they were the real problem (for England) because they were giving India great starts most of the time, seeing off the new ball.

KL Rahul is a huge miss, and potentially Rohit will miss out. So, I believe that England are the favourites," said Moeen. In September last year, Moeen bid adieu to Test cricket,