India will take on England in the second Test of the five-match series at Edgbaston in Birmingham, starting on Wednesday, July 2. After losing the opening Test, India are expected to make significant changes to their playing XI, with three new players likely to be included in the lineup to help them bounce back.
Sai Sudharsan, who made his Test debut in Leeds against England in the 1st Test is set to be replaced. It is all but confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah will also warm the bench in the 2nd Test.
Sai Sudharsan was dismissed on a duck in the 1st innings and could only manage 30 runs in the 2nd innings.
With the match only hours away, there is uncertainty over India’s playing XI. Captain Shubman Gill and assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate didn't reveal much in their pre-match press conference. However, a few hints have sparked speculation about the team’s likely combination for the upcoming contest.
India are expected to retain their opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul for the second Test, following their strong performances at Headingley. However, debutant Sai Sudharsan is likely to make way for all-rounder Washington Sundar, according to The Indian Express.
Sai Sudharsan, who batted at No. 3 in the first Test, was dismissed for a duck in the first innings but showed some promise with a 30-run knock in the second. Karun Nair could be promoted up the order in place of Sai Sudharsan. Nair, who returned to the Indian team, recorded scores of 0 and 20 in the series opener.
Washington Sundar brings balance to the side as an all-rounder. He has played nine Tests, scoring 468 runs at an average of 42.54 and taking 25 wickets at 25.64. The left-handed batter is likely to bat lower down the order during the match.
Nitish Kumar Reddy to Replace Shardul Thakur in Playing XI
India are focusing on all-rounders to boost their chances of levelling the series. The report added that Ravindra Jadeja is set to retain his spot and may move up to No. 6 in the batting order.
Nitish Kumar Reddy is also likely to return to the squad, replacing Shardul Thakur, who had a disappointing performance in the first Test. Shardul picked up two wickets for 89 runs in 16 overs across two innings. He also failed to deliver with the bat in both innings.
Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is expected to be rested due to workload management. Akash Deep is set to replace Bumrah in the lineup. Prasidh Krishna is expected to retain his place in the playing XI.
Second Spinner Won't Be Bad Option - Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill spoke about the team’s strategy regarding the inclusion of a third all-rounder for the second Test. He said that if the fast bowlers struggle to create enough opportunities, a second spinner could help control the run flow until the second new ball becomes available.
”If fast bowlers are not creating enough chances) then we feel that maybe a second spinner on these kinds of wickets will at least create a run until the second new ball comes. Looking at the last match, if a similar wicket is going to be here like it was in the last match,) then a second spinner won’t be a bad option," Shubman said.
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