3 key changes India should consider for the 2nd Test against England

India vs England (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

India’s five-wicket loss in the first Test against England at Headingley wasn’t an ideal start for Shubman Gill, who wouldn’t have imagined such a beginning to his captaincy debut. Despite solid batting performances from Gill, Yashsvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul, the visitors let the match slip due to poor fielding, limited wicket-taking chances, and lower-order collapses.

For the second Test in Birmingham, India must make a few changes to make a comeback. With no confirmation of Jasprit Bumrah’s availability in the second game, the team might look to field a strong attack without their ace pacer. The combination might lead to dropping some players. In the batting department, Karun Nair and debutant Sai Sudharsan didn’t convert their starts, putting pressure on the top order, and the lower order collapsed in both innings, making limited contributions with the bat.

Three changes India should make for the second Test against England:

3. Nitish Kumar Reddy in the Playing XI for Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur’s return to the Indian Test side after more than a year wasn’t as ideal as he would have liked. With the bat, Thakur registered one-digit scores of just one and four, resulting in India’s lower-order collapse in both innings. While he did pick up two wickets in the fourth innings, including back-to-back dismissals, he went wicketless and expensive in the first innings, conceding 38 runs in just six overs. Despite his potential, the team management underutilized Thakur, introducing him into the attack only after the 40-over mark.

Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar Reddy has already impressed with a century in Australia and over 1200 runs in First-Class format. While his bowling might not match Shardul’s abilities, Nitish is a brilliant batter and can add depth that the team desperately needs in the lower order. If the team wants more solid options in positions 7and lower, the Andhra-born is an ideal replacement for the Mumbai all-rounder.

2. Prasidh Krishna to be replaced by Akash Deep

Prasidh Krishna’s inclusion in the playing XI for the first Test was expected to strengthen the pace attack, especially alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. However, the tall pacer failed to give the required support that Bumrah needed. Conceding 128 runs in 20 overs at an economy of 6.40 in the first innings and 92 in 15 overs at 6.13 in the second, the Karnataka pacer was expensive and also ineffective at building pressure. His line and lengths allowed batters to score runs at a high rate, ultimately leading him to an unwanted record for the worst economy by an Indian bowler in a Test innings (min. 120 balls).

While Prasidh has 13 wickets in four Tests, his overall economy of 5.07 in the format is very high. Meanwhile, Akash Deep has been decent in the limited opportunities given. He has been consistent with his line and lengths, picking 15 wickets in seven games. While the management might discuss whether to go with the Bengal pacer or hand Arshdeep Singh his Test debut, the former might have the edge, considering his experience with the red cherry even in overseas conditions.

1. Washington Sundar comes in for Ravindra Jadeja

The veteran all-rounder, Ravindra Jadeja, had an underwhelming outing at Headingley, going wicketless in the first innings and managing just 1/104 in the second. Despite getting some turn late on Day 5, India’s senior most member failed to make a significant impact with the ball, nor could he capitalise with the bat, aggregating just 36 runs (11 and 25*) across the match.

With the surface for the second Test expected to be more batting-friendly, spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar could be a valuable addition. A solid off-spinner and a handy batter, Sundar could be a good option to be included ahead of Ravindra Jadeja. In his brief Test career, he has a batting average of over 42 and has already picked 25 wickets in just nine matches, including a best of 7/59. In the opening Test, India’s lower-order failed miserably in both innings, losing the last seven wickets for 71 runs in the first and six wickets for 30 runs in the second innings. Sundar might fit in well and give that batting push in the lower-order, which Jadeja couldn’t.

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