IND v ENG, 2nd Test Preview: Both sides prioritize avoiding a stalemate at Vizag

While the first IND v ENG Test match at Rajkot churned out a rather entertaining stalemate, the agenda for both sides going into the second Test match at Vizag would be one for both sides to secure a result. While that would certainly be on the cards, the ICC has added yet another venue to its Test match list.

The ADA VCA in Vishakapatnam has seen a few ODIs, a couple of T20Is, and now, stands to be crowned as a Test match venue, something that the BCCI has been adding to for the better part of this year. In spite of this, the Indians do indeed have a decent record at this venue in the limited-overs format, something they will be looking to capitalise on in the longer format as well.

While a mouthwatering encounter is most certainly on the cards, it is certain that there would be a few changes made as far as the team selection would be concerned for both sides. Moreover, the fact of the matter also remains that this is the first Test to be played at this venue.

Team Analysis

India 

Going into the encounter, the Indians would know all too well about underestimating their opponents. The last time such a thing happened was in Rajkot in the first IND v ENG Test match. If not for some impressive heroics from Virat Kohli, the hosts would have had to come from behind to ensure that the hosts did indeed save the Test match.

Now, the Indians find themselves on a familiar and rather chartered territory. With the curator Kasturi Sriram promising that the wicket would offer turn, one can only assume that Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja would be a handful to deal with. Moreover, with the Indian spinners not in the best of confidence following the end of the first Test, it seems quite clear that a lot of work will have to be done.

As far as team selection goes, there would be a few players making their way into the side. KL Rahul is one who is a definite starter given the fact that he has been drafted back into the side. With Amit Mishra not able to hit the high notes, it seems quite clear that Jayant Yadav may get the nod. Ishant Sharma also looks rather certain to make a comeback to arms.

England

As many called it, England made a statement in Rajkot. They made a massive statement and proved to one and all that they could indeed play spin bowling and also impressed quite a bit. At the other end of the yardstick, the Indians struggled to cope with the spin on the final day.

While the team selection looks quite certain, there are a few records in the offing as far as England is concerned. Alastair Cook could find himself in the elite company should he break into the Top 10 top run-getters in Test cricket. Stuart Broad and Moeen Ali are also on the brink of a few records as the second Test beckons.

Finally, as far as the team selection goes, the Brits will be looking to make as minimal changes as they possibly can. James Anderson will be rested as Vizag pitch offers spin and Gary Ballance also could come in at the expense of Ben Duckett who had a forgettable outing at Rajkot.

Playing XI (Probable)

India: Virat Kohli (C), Wriddhiman Saha (WK), KL Rahul, Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammad Shami, Umesh Yadav/Ishant Sharma, Jayant Yadav/Amit Mishra

England: Alastair Cook (C), Jonny Bairstow (WK), Haseeb Hameed, Joe Root, Ben Duckett/Gary Ballance, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Zafar Ansari, Stuart Broad

Also read – Spinning track at Vizag prompts England to hold back James Anderson

StAttack:

1. Cheteshwar Pujara requires 3 runs to complete 3000 Test match runs. The same record beckons opener Murali Vijay as well as he requires 20 runs to do the same.

2. Virat Kohli will be playing his 50th Test match at Vizag on the 17th of November. Only Gautam Gambhir and Ishant Sharma have played more matches than Kohli in the current Indian squad.

3. Ravindra Jadeja requires 12 wickets to complete 100 Test match wickets. He will become only the 20th Indian bowler to complete this feat.

4. Alastair Cook requires 161 runs to complete 11,000 Test match runs. Should Cook reach 11,000 runs, he will break into the top-10 run-getters in Test cricket surpassing former Australian skipper Steve Waugh who currently holds 10th place.

5. Moeen Ali requires 9 wickets to complete 100 Test match wickets.