IND vs ENG 2nd Test: Players to Watch Out for during India vs England 2nd Test: Just a few hours before we proceed with the red-ball action between India and England for the 2nd time in the ongoing five-match test series. The two teams will be in the huddle at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, starting on February 02.
England, with an early win in the series, will be hoping to double down on their lead, while India, the hosts will look to seal the opportunity to control the damage copped in the 1st test in Hyderabad.
The 1st India vs England test in Hyderabad saw England’s resilience and courageous batting resulting in putting up a challenging total, despite trailing immensely in the second innings. Furthermore, England’s debutant spinner Tom Hartley shone under pressure and aided his side to register a 28-run win against India.
England will once again brace themselves for a massive challenge in Vishakhapatnam against India, starting February 02. Their win in the first test will be used as a tool to get inspired and pip the mighty Indian side.
On the other side, Team India, after the defeat in the 1st test, suffered a couple of blows as far as squad composition is concerned. The likes of KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja have been ruled out of the 2nd test due to their respective injuries which they suffered during the 1st test. To cover the losses, the BCCI has roped in Sarfaraz Khan, Saurabh Kumar and Washington Sundar.
Let’s take a look at players to watch out for during the India vs England 2nd test in Vishakhapatnam:
IND vs ENG: Players to Watch For during India vs England 2nd Test
Rohit Sharma
Indian captain Rohit Sharma has faced significant flak from the fans and experts for his batting of late. Though he has been successful in providing starts to the team, test cricket is not just about the starts. While the significance of getting starts is immense, a large part of the red-ball format relies on capitalising on the starts and pile-up runs for the team, which certainly hasn’t been the case for Rohit Sharma.
He returned with the scores of 24 and 39 in the two innings of the first test against England in Hyderabad. He got the starts but failed to maximise it.
Moreover, the absence of Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja has significantly weakened the team, and a lot of responsibility will be on Rohit Sharma’s shoulders. The way he bats will influence India’s innings.
Joe Root
England will rely heavily on the services of Joe Root, who has emerged as an all-rounder in the sub-continent. Root’s skills with the bat are second to none, his prowesses with the ball will be crucial as well.
With senior spinner Jack Leach injured, Root automatically becomes the leader of England’s spin attack which comprises the likes of Tom Hartley, Rehan Ahmed and Shoaib Bashir. The three spinners named alongside Joe Root have little to no experience under their belt.
Root returned with 5 wickets in the 1st test along with the scores of 29 and 2 in the two innings.
Jasprit Bumrah
After failing with a 2-pacers and 3-spinners approach, team India is expected to field the playing11 in the Vishakhapatnam test with just a solitary pacer in Jasprit Bumrah. The senior speedster was successful in the 1st test with his brilliant bowling display. Out of three pacers playing in the India vs England 1st test, only Jasprit Bumrah managed to pick wickets.
Bumrah will have the responsibility to set up India’s bowling innings as he has done over the years. With no Mohammad Siraj from the other end, Bumrah will be key as he will be used often to break the momentum and rattle the opposition.
Head to BCCI’s official website for live-updates.