(Info4now)- A draw, and not enough to draw an expected scenario for the next. It was an almost three day match played last time in Nottingham. Enough rain to interrupt the game, just like watering the ‘Root’ of English team. It might be a good sign for England to get Root back with enough vitality—top scorer of the contest. But what do they think about the middle order? An expected collapse in the preview of the last game occurred twice. Two top class players Bairstow and Buttler didn’t react well. Back to India vs england 2nd contest, India have nothing to accept plan B. India’s middle order is not tested well in the last game. But theirs is much more stable than England’s.
India vs England 2nd Test: Preview
England have no clue against their opening pair. They are consistently running out of runs. Though Dom Sibley played well in the second innings sticking to one side, it’s tough to consider. If one tries to stick to wicket, one has to play more balls. Rory Burns is dangerously getting trapped time and again. Jack Crawley is a fine batsman at No 3, but not in rhythm. Joe Root showed more positivity than his terrific skills with the willow. In both innings, he was exceptional with his clear mindset. At Lord’s he might be again in the centre of attraction.
In the middle Bairstow and Jos Buttler really tried hard in the second innings. But it was not up to the expectation. Even when playing on the home turf, they surrender to pace and bounce. Against a champion side, they must take greater responsibility in London.
Whether the experienced Broad or superfast Wood is a problem for English camp. Broad went wicketless in the first innings and lacking in pace. But Wood’s accuracy falls short of Broad. I’ll go for Broad at Lord’s and there is no need to replace Sam Curran with Moeen Ali. Of course, Sam Curran is occasionally drifting it down the pad and taken on. But a fourth pacer is of no less importance. If Moeen Ali to make the side, England should think for Lawrence. In that case, Bairstow may be promoted to No. 5.
Shardul Thakur was included as predicted in the last preview. Though I had preferred Ashwin to Jadeja in the last game, it was a good decision to play Jadeja. England haven’t got many left-hand batsmen and Ashwin’s off turners on a wet pitch might not work. So Bumrah and Jadeja are absolutely fine. I’ll go with Siraj in the next match also, as he is enjoying it very much.
Virat in need of some runs
India’s openers are fantastic and just completely different from England’s. They are skilled and experienced campaigners. India should continue with Rahul and Rohit throughout the series. Pujara will definitely search for runs. But at Lord’s, cricket India is waiting for a royal comeback. The first contest between Kohli and Anderson went in favour of the latter at Trent Bridge. Now it’s his turn to show a great amount of patience and class skills with the bat. Pant looked very uncomfortable against seam last time. As he can release the scoreboard pressure, he is a champion at No. 6.
To Conclude
There are chances of changes in both sides and the condition of pitch may behave differently. There are chances of both swing and spin. If it gets a bit drier, spin may work. For India Ishant Sharma, and Moeen Ali and Haseeb Hameed for the host are probable inclusion.
My XXII of India vs England 2nd Test
India: Rohit Sharma, K. L. Rahul, Cheteswar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Md. Siraj, Ishant Sharma and Bumrah
England: Dom Sibley, Haseeb Hameed, Jack Crawley, Joe Root, Johnny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Robinson, Stuart Broad and James Anderson.