Washington Sundar not playing: India have made as many as three changes to their Playing XI for the second Test.
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During the first day of the second Test of the ongoing England’s tour of India in Chennai, India captain Virat Kohli has won the toss and chose to bat.
While the hosts would’ve wanted to emulate England regarding how they batted after winning the toss in the first Test, it doesn’t seem to be the case as opening batsman Shubman Gill (0) has departed after shouldering arms to England pacer Olly Stone.
Stone, who has replaced Jofra Archer in the Playing XI for this match, is one among the four changes which England have made today. Other than Stone, wicket-keeper batsman Ben Foakes, all-rounder Moeen Ali and pacer Stuart Broad have replaced the likes of Jos Buttler, Dom Bess and James Anderson.
Why is Washington Sundar not playing today’s 2nd Test between India and England?
As far as India are concerned, they have also made a total of three changes. All-rounder Axar Patel, who was expected to replace spinner Shahbaz Nadeem, has been handed his Test debut.
In addition to Patel, spinner Kuldeep Yadav and fast bowler Mohammed Siraj have been included in place of all-rounder Washington Sundar and spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. Sundar, who averages 56.33 in four Test innings with the help of two half-centuries, is a tad unfortunate to miss out this match.
Having said that, his bowling average and strike rate of 67 and 114 respectively is on the higher side and the same is the reason behind Yadav playing ahead of him. With Patel also in the XI, India can afford to miss out on Sundar’s batting in this match.
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“There is a reason why we played the combination in the last game because Axar [Patel] was injured. Unfortunately, Washington [Sundar] even after doing well misses out. Kuldeep Yadav replaces him.
“[Shahbaz] Nadeem makes way for Axar. Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for this game. We need to manage his work load. Mohammad Siraj comes in for him and he brings good variety,” Kohli told Star Sports at the toss.
