ENG vs IND 2018: 2nd Test, Lord's - England's Predicted XI

England will look to extend their lead when they square off against India in the second of the five-match Test series commencing on August 9 (Thursday) at the Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Meanwhile, they thumped the visitors by 31 runs to take a 1-0 lead at Edgbaston. While Sam Curran contributed with both bat and ball, Ben Stokes magical spell in the fourth innings scripted the victory for England.

However, they will miss their premier all-rounder Stokes, as he faces a court trial over the brawl in Bristol. Experienced all-rounder Chris Wokaes joins the side in place of Stokes, after a long injury lay-off. England will hope Woakes picks up precisely from where Stokes left.

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Furthermore, they have brought in the young batsman Ollie Pope in place of Dawid Malan. Malan was going through a lean patch of runs, and thus the selectors decided to drop him and bring Pope. Pope has been spectacular in this domestic season scoring tons of runs. The southpaw will hope to continue his purple patch for the national side.

Otherwise, Joe Root is likely to field the same team and will be keen to bring in the same result at the iconic Lord’s stadium.

Here is the predicted XI of England for the 2nd Test against India in Birmingham:

ALASTAIR COOK

England’s highest Test scorer, Alastair Cook struggled against Ravichandran Ashwin in the last game. Thus, he will be desperate to negate Ashwin in this Test and put up a good show at Lord’s.

Cook, if set, can pose difficult questions for Indian bowling attack.

KEATON JENNINGS

Keaton Jennings showed great prospect in the first providing good starts in the first Test against India. His job will be to continue doing that and share a significant partnership with Cook.

Jennings can frustrate the Indian bowlers, and he will look to concentrate on that.

JOE ROOT (C)

Joe Root played a crucial knock in the first essay as he led the team from the front. Moreover, he has led this team very well to take 1-0 up in this long series.

Root will be desperate to pile up more runs and in the process take a 2-0 lead at the Lord’s.

OLLIE POPE

Ollie Pope will make his debut in the second Test and will hope to replicate his domestic form in the national side. Pope replaces Dawid Malan in the squad, who was going through a lean patch.

The 20-year-old Pope is an exciting young talent and will hope he makes a mark in the first Test itself.

JONNY BAIRSTOW (WK)

Jonny Bairstow played a crucial hand in the first innings to share an essential partnership with skipper Joe Root. However, in the absence of Ben Stokes, Bairstow will have to step in England wants to keep the winnings momentum going.

However, he has shown good form recently and will hope to continue it.

JOS BUTTLER

Jos Buttler, after a string of good scores, has suddenly struggled to find the right timing going. However, he needs to get some runs under his belt to retain his spot in the playing XI.

Buttler, a better player of spin in this England line-up will have to step up and play Ashiwn well.

CHRIS WOAKES

Chris Woakes is returning to the England side after a long injury lay-off. However, he is an experienced campaigner and knows this conditions well. Woakes is capable of contributing with both bat and ball, and the hosts will hope he delivers from the word go.

SAM CURRAN

Man of the match from the last game, Sam Curran has impressed one and all with his all-round abilities. After dismantling the batting-order of India, he played a cameo in the second essay to help England post a challenging total.

Curran will be eager to continue this form and bring another victory for his nation.

STUART BROAD

Although Stuart Broad didn’t have a terrific opening match at Edgbaston, he knows how to turn things with a moment. An experienced campaigner, Broad will hope to contribute more with the new ball.

The team management has faith in Broad, and he will have to deliver now.

ADIL RASHID

Adil Rashid bowled a tight line and length to keep up the pressure on his comeback Test match. He chipped in with three wickets and thus retained his spot for the second Test.

Rashid will hope to contribute more in the upcoming Lord’s Test against India and cement his spot in the playing XI.

JAMES ANDERSON

James Anderson, the highest wicket-taker for England bowled some excellent line and length in the first Test against India. Returning with four wickets, Anderson will hope to contribute more for the hosts.

Anderson can b fiery in Lord’s, known for assisting swing bowlers.