India’s predicted XI against England for the second Test

India will look to bounce back in the second Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England, starting July 2 at Edgbaston, Birmingham. After a crushing defeat in Leeds, where England chased down 371 to take a 1-0 lead, the Shubman Gill-led side must hope to break their winless Test record at Edgbaston.

The visitors’ batting received immense praise, with five centuries, including a 147 by debutant captain Gill and twin tons by Rishabh Pant. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul also reached the three-figure mark, but dropped catches, lower-order failures, and inability to produce numerous wicket-taking opportunities cost them the game. 

Top-order  

India are set to retain their top order for the second Test at Edgbaston, with Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Sai Sudharsan continuing as the top three. Jaiswal, who scored his maiden Test hundred in England with a 101 in the first innings at Headingley, will carry the same confidence into the Birmingham Test. KL Rahul, too, was in sublime form, scoring his third ton on English soil with a 137 in the second innings after a 42 in the first. Sai Sudharsan, despite a decent debut where he managed just 30 runs across two innings, is likely to keep his place at No.3. The team management is backing the young left-hander to come good, especially given his ability to contribute to the left-right batting combination at the top. 

Middle-order  

India’s middle-order for the second Test is likely to feature captain Shubman Gill, Karun Nair, vice-captain Rishabh Pant, and Nitish Kumar Reddy. Gill, who scored a 147 in the first innings at Headingley, will look to lead by example once again. Pant made history with his twin centuries and will look to carry the same form in the second Test. Pant will also have a crucial role to play behind the stumps.

Karun Nair is expected to get another opportunity to strengthen his place in the side. Though he didn’t have a large contribution in his comeback Test, his past performances and recent double-ton for India A give him a strong case to retain his spot. Nitish Kumar Reddy is expected to come in as a batting all-rounder, bringing balance to the lineup with his medium pace and slip fielding.

Bowlers  

While assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed ace pace Jasprit Bumrah is available, a final call on his inclusion will be taken just before the toss, considering his workload management across the series.

If Bumrah is rested, Akash Deep will likely be the third seamer. The Bengal pacer, who has 15 wickets in seven first-class games at an economy of under 4, has a sharp seam movement and is ideal for the Edgbaston pitch, especially with the new ball. Mohammed Siraj will lead the pace attack in Bumrah’s absence. With experience under his belt, Siraj will be the senior quick. Prasidh Krishna, who was expensive in Leeds, will look to tighten his lines and strike consistently. Kuldeep Yadav could replace Ravindra Jadeja as India considers playing one spinner on a dry surface. With 56 wickets in just 13 Tests, Kuldeep will provide different options on the table.

India’s predicted XI against England for the second Test:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (C), Karun Nair, Rishabh Pant (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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