England vs India 2018, Second Test - England Bat First, Cheteshwar Pujara Returns

England won the toss and decided to field first against India in the second England vs India Test at Lord’s London.

No play was possible at all on day one of the game due to persistent rain. As a result, the remaining four days will be extended in a bid to make up for the lost overs.

Day ✌ of the 2nd Test. Bright and sunny at the moment with a hint of black cloud cover approaching.#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/ECMKdI0Bfb

— BCCI (@BCCI) August 10, 2018

Here is what the captains said:

Joe Root:

“We are going to bowl first. Looks a fresh wicket. With the weather around it gives us a good chance to take wickets. Woakes comes in. We gave ourselves an option with that green tinge. Just really hope he plays well.”

Virat Kohli:

“It’s a hard pitch, looks dry. The wicket looks good, much better than Edgbaston. We have to enjoy the game. We have brought back Pujara and Kuldeep Yadav comes in the side for Umesh. We have a good balance looking at two spinners and two quality all-rounders.”

Preview:

The five-match Test series went off to a thrilling start just like the cricketing world was expecting. It was a match that swung from one side to another throughout before England finally managed to win it by 31 runs. The game kept the fans on the edge of their seats throughout. If it was India who took the upper hand by dismissing England for 287 in the first innings then England also did well by taking a 13-run lead despite Virat Kohli scoring a majestic 149.

In the second innings, India had the hosts on the mat by reducing them to 87 for 7. However, a 63-run knock from Sam Curran helped them post 180. It eventually turned out to be the difference.

At 141 for 6 with Kohli and Hardik Pandya on the crease, the game was slightly tilted in India’s favour. However, Stokes dismissed Kohli and Mohammed Shami inside an over to put England on top. Pandya threatened to run away with the game but Stokes struck again to remove Pandya and fire England to a stunning win.

Both the teams have plenty off issues to address before the second game. While the bowling units of both the team fired at Edgbaston, the batsmen and fielders cut a sorry figure. Both the teams will be expecting an improved show from the batsmen and fielders in the upcoming game.

Playing elevens:

England:

Alastair Cook, Keaton Jennings, Joe Root(c), Ollie Pope, Jonny Bairstow(w), Jos Buttler, Chris Woakes, Sam Curran, Adil Rashid, Stuart Broad, James Anderson

India:

Murali Vijay, Lokesh Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Dinesh Karthik(w), Hardik Pandya, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma