India vs England 2021, 2nd Test- Match Preview
Published - 12 Aug 2021, 11:08 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:51 AM
Table of Contents
India would be gutted to not have won the first Test despite dominating the major part of the game. Incessant rain on day 5 led to the first Test ending in a draw. India bowled exceptionally to bowl out England for just 183 runs in the first innings. Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 4 for 46, while Shami claimed three wickets. A resilient KL Rahul helped India posted a decent 278-run total in the second innings.
England though batted well in the third innings. Thanks to a special ton by Joe Root as England posted 303 runs, giving India a target of 209 runs. At the end of day 4, India had scored 52 runs, while losing KL Rahul as the only wicket. With 157 runs needed on the final day, India would have fancied their chance of taking the lead but the rain had other plans.
India vs England, 2nd Test- Match Preview
India:
India has exhibited exceptional performance in the first Test. They might not have won the Test but would be brimming with confidence. The inclusion of KL Rahul in the playing XI kept India in good stead in the first Test.
The Indian opener made a remarkable comeback in Test Cricket after playing a stellar 84-run knock of 214 balls. He looked positive in the fourth innings as well.
He played some great shots during his 26-run knock. His contribution in the first Test will perhaps deny Mayank Agarwal get back into the playing XI.
Rohit Sharma looked quite assured in both the innings he batted. He was disappointed to throw away his start in the first innings after making 36 off 107. The fans would be hoping for him to play a big knock at Lord’s and help India win the first Test of the series.
Ravi Ashwin’s exclusion in the first Test led to a widespread debate. However, his replacement, Shardul Thakur did nothing wrong to help the experts criticize the decision.
The second Test will be played at Lord’s and wickets will assist spinners. It will be interesting to see if Ravi Ashwin will make a comeback or the team will persist with four seamers and one spinner.
Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and M Shami all bowled their heart out in the first Test. They looked threatening throughout the game. The trio picked 16 wickets out of 20 in the first Test. Even if Ishant Sharma gets fit for the 2nd Test, it will be difficult for him to make it into the playing XI.
Full Squad: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah
Bench: Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Axar Patel, Wriddhiman Saha, Umesh Yadav, Hanuma Vihari, Abhimanyu Easwaran
England:
Against a strong India bowling unit, England batters still require a lot of experience to excel. In a bid to strengthen their batting line-up, Moeen Ali has been added to the squad. His stellar performances in The Hundred 2021 should keep the team in good stead. Also, with the pitch assisting spinners, he could be handy with the bat as well.
Also, Haseeb Hameed has also been added into the squad and he could be slotted into the playing straightaway as well. Nonetheless, Joe Root will be the key to their fortunes. He played a special knock in the first Test.
The team needs many more of those in the upcoming games. Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler are the other two experienced players in the squad. The duo too ought to come up with better performances if England fancies their chances in the second Test.
Full Squad: Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Zak Crawley, Joe Root (c), Jonny Bairstow, Daniel Lawrence, Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Ollie Robinson, Stuart Broad, James Anderson
Bench: Mark Wood, Craig Overton, Jack Leach, Dominic Bess, Ollie Pope, Haseeb Hameed
