Tensions run high as India prepares for the second Test match against England at Edgbaston on Wednesday. All eyes are on the team management’s selection decisions following the frustrating defeat in Leeds. Despite an impressive first innings against England in the first Test, the young Indian test cricket squad registered a sore defeat in Leeds and aims to bounce back in the five-match Test series.
India vs England 2nd Test: Bumrah could sit out, pace attack may shuffle
India’s recent loss to England at Leeds ignited a lot of debates concerning the changes that need to be made in the starting lineup ahead of the second game. With Jasprit Bumrah potentially being rested as the pacer previously announced that he will only be able to participate in 3 of the 5-match test series, India’s fast bowling lineup is likely to see changes.
With India’s leading wicket-taker, Bumrah, likely to be placed on rest, the Shubman Gill-led young Indian team faces a crucial challenge to take 20 wickets on another batter-friendly surface while maintaining depth in the batting order.
India vs England 2nd Test: Changes to the Squad
A major shake-up could be seen in the all-rounder department, with Nitish Kumar Reddy set to replace Shardul Thakur. Thakur’s inability to meaningfully contribute with the bat at a critical juncture in the last match has put his place under scrutiny. Reddy, in contrast, promises a more secure batting option, adding more weight to India’s middle batting order. Reddy also holds an impeccable test record dating back to his debut Test series in Australia, where he scored 298 runs and took five wickets.
Fueling this speculation, Reddy was seen doing slip-catching drills with senior players like Karun Nair, KL Rahul, and captain Shubman Gill at the net practice on Monday. Meanwhile, Thakur’s reduced involvement in practice sessions further drove suspicions around the anticipated change.
India vs England 2nd Test: Birmingham weather report
The 2nd Test between India and England in Birmingham is likely to be impacted by unpredictable weather. As forecasted by the BBC, Day 1 could see clouds, rain, and even thunderstorms. Days 2 and 3 will offer ideal cricket conditions with sunshine along with a light breeze. However, Day 4 has a 62% chance of morning showers, and Day 5 is expected to be damp with intermittent rain and overcast skies.
India vs England 2nd Test: Pitch report
The Edgbaston surface has seen high first-innings totals in recent years, with the average score over the last 10 Tests hovering around 334. While the pitch has historically been more pace-friendly, it’s also supposed to provide an advantage to spinners. Even though the top layer of the pitch is green, it has dry layers underneath, making the death overs more favourable for spinners.
Probable Playing XIs
India probable XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Karun Nair, Rishabh Pant (vc & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
England probable XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes(c), Jamie Smith(w), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir