Despite winning the 1st Test, Ben Stokes warns his England teammates at the Toss in the 2nd Test at Vizag

England captain Ben Stokes expressed satisfaction with securing a 1-0 lead in the ongoing five-match Test series against India. However, Ben Stokes acknowledged India’s potential comeback in the Visakhapatnam Test, given their familiarity with home conditions.

The English team started the ongoing red ball series with a 28-run victory in Hyderabad. The visiting team was bowled out for just 246 runs in the first innings. Ben Stokes top-scored with 70 runs off 88 deliveries, while no other batter managed to score a half-century.

The Three Lions conceded a 190-run lead to the opposition after bundling them out for 436 runs. They fought hard in the second innings against quality Indian bowlers in challenging conditions. Ollie Pope scored 196 runs to help the team extend their lead to 230 runs.

Debutant Tom Hartley was the pick of the bowlers for England in the final innings. Hartley bagged seven wickets for 62 runs in 26.2 overs in the final innings. The home team managed to score 202 runs, suffering a disappointing loss during the series opener.

It Was A Great Last Week – Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum while acknowledging India’s potential comeback in the series. Stokes highlighted the positive impact of the victory and expressed confidence for the remaining matches.

“Would have batted as well. It was a great last week, but we know India will come back hard. To come from behind like we did was very pleasing. We’ll take the confidence from that, but new week now. It is an amazing atmosphere to play in for the boys. To get such an opportunity at the start of their career will do wonders for their confidence. Two changes – Shoaib Bashir and James Anderson come in for Jack Leach and Mark Wood,” Stokes said after losing the toss.

Pacer James Anderson rejoined the squad for the second Test after missing the opening game. Shoaib Bashir replaced the injured Jack Leach in the bowling attack. The 20-year-old spinner aims to seize the chance to showcase his skills in his first international match.

Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat in Visakhapatnam. Rajat Patidar was included in the squad, replacing KL Rahul. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav and pacer Mukesh Kumar were also included in the Indian lineup, replacing Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj.

Openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal added a 40-run partnership for the first wicket. Debutant Shoaib Bashir broke the partnership. Shubman Gill was dismissed for 34 runs off Anderson’s bowling. India concluded the first session on Day 1 with a score of 103/2.

India vs England Playing XI

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Shreyas Iyer, Srikar Bharat(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mukesh Kumar

Also read: “He under-bowled himself as captain” – Ben Stokes takes credit for Joe Root’s success in 1st Test