England Vs India 2018 - 4 Changes India Need To Make For The Second Test
Updated - 05 Aug 2018, 05:33 PM
A billion expectations of a historic win at Birmingham came crashing down, as the Indian batting wilted against a relentless English attack. All is not over however, as four Tests yet remain in the England Vs India Test series and it remains to be seen what the visitors will do from now on. A few changes definitely need to be made from India’s perspective for the second Test.
At Birmigham, from the batting front, it was all a one man show as skipper Virat Kohli led India’s charge against a ravaging English attack. His 149 in the first go to go with the half century in the second innings were among the most outstanding knocks played by an Indian for years.
For the world’s number one ranked Test side, plenty is at stake for the second Test. It was right here at Lord’s, when India won the second Test of the 2014 series in comprehensive style. For Virat Kohli’s men to have any chance of upstaging England in the series, the game at Lord’s becomes a very important encounter.
Below, we analyze the four likely changes which India must make, for the second Test against England.
- Cheteshwar Pujara for KL Rahul:
To say it bluntly, Rahul was nothing more than ordinary at Birmingham. His shot in the first innings was among those, where you would be made to run 10 extra rounds of the ground by a strict coach in the earlier days. His knock in the second innings too was far from pleasing as he lived on the edge and perished quickly.
Pujara on the other hand, is someone who can grind the opposition down with his saint like approach and can negate that new ball. Replacing Pujara for M. Vijay or Shikhar Dhawan wouldn’t be appropriate as both openers atleast got starts in both innings. Thus, Rahul will have to make way for Pujara.
- Rishab Pant for Dinesh Karthik:
A Test match at Lord’s. A young Indian being handed his maiden cap. Well, these words definitely bring back memories of two stalwarts of Indian cricket, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid. In all probability, there should be another addition to that list, in the form of Rishab Pant.
Dinesh Karthik was plain poor behind the stumps and his over enthusiastic nature was visible as his hands were shaky throughout. With the bat as well, a duck in the first innings followed by a lax shot in the second innings didn’t do his case any good.
Pant on the other hand, has been in red hot form, amassing runs for India A in England. A maiden cap for the Delhi keeper seems ideal for the second Test against England.
- Ravindra Jadeja for Hardik Pandya:
Hardik Pandya did try his luck in the second innings, but to no avail. Considering the fact that Pandya was more or less not needed as a bowler and acted merely as a namesake candidate, India must overlook him.
On a track that is expected to assist the slower bowlers, Jadeja must make his way back into the XI. The ideal part about the spinner is that he can hold up an end quite miserly and build some pressure on the batsmen. Apart from that, he has some valuable experience of playing in England, which will surely come in handy.
- Jasprit Bumrah for Umesh Yadav:
If fit, the slingy Jasprit Bumrah should walk back into the XI. Having taken a five fer in his previous outing in Tests for India, Bumrah is priceless as he can wipe the tail out in no time. The traditional slope at Lord’s will further add to the fun as Bumrah can add another angle to his already menacing bowling.
Umesh did bowl exceedingly well in the second innings, with a catch put down off his bowling. However, Bumrah was a little bit more to offer and remains a better overall package.
