India have a mountain to climb on English soil. They went 1-0 down in the test series following an atrocious performance in the first test. With four matches still to go, there is time for a comeback and with India’s killer instinct and quality, it remains possible. The team was humbled by England as they lost by 31 runs in Edgbaston. In all fairness, the entire squad with the exception of Ravichandran Ashwin and Virat Kohli was subpar.
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While the CSK spinner took seven wickets over two innings, the captain scored 200 runs from the team’s score of both innings. That is over half of what the others managed combined. The second test starts on the 9th of August and India already have bad news on the deck. Jasprit Bumrah is doubtful and will most likely miss the vital encounter.
The pace bowler injured his thumb in the first T20 international versus Ireland. Although he is back in the nets, a return for the second test falls too early for him. While announcing the squad, the selectors were hopeful of him getting fit until the second Test.
“Jasprit Bumrah who has been included in the squad will be available for selection from the 2nd Test onwards based on his fitness,” BCCI’s statement read
Following Ravichandran Ashwin’s exploits in the first test, India have been contemplating over adding an extra spinner at the expense of a pacer for the second test. Kuldeep Yadav or Ravindra Jadeja will be the beneficiary, while Hardik Pandya or Umesh Yadav will be sacrificed following pathetic displays.
In the batting unit, Cheteshwar Pujara is also set to return to the fray after not featuring in the first test. Shikhar Dhawan or KL Rahul will be axed from their position as per reports.
