The time has come as the India Cricket Team will lock horns with the England Cricket Team. The two sides will lock horns with IND vs ENG 1st Test in Hyderabad. England have already released their Playing XI and have opted for 3 spinners and a solitary pacer. It remains to be seen as to how Rohit Sharma counters England’s Bazball.
While pundits have labelled England as the underdogs, the Three Lions will pose a big threat to team India. As for the hosts, India are back after a 1-1 draw against South Africa in the recent concluded series.
The India Cricket Team has been dealt with a massive blow. Star batter Virat Kohli has pulled out of the first 2 Tests citing personal problems. In his replacement, Rajat Patidar has added in the squad. Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal are slated to open for India.
Shubman Gill will bat at the number 3 position. The absence of Kohli will nullify Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul fighting for one spot. As a result will slot in at 4 and 5 respectively. KS Bharat, the designated keeper will bat at number 6 and will be the anchor in the team.
Jadeja and Ashwin will be the two all-rounders in the team. In terms of the pace attack, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will spearhead the attack. The last specialist bowler depends on how Rohit approaches the game. If it is a spinner then it will be between Axar Patel or Kuldeep Yadav. Else it will be between Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan.
India vs England 1st Test
Date – 25th January
Venue – Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
Time – 9:30 PM IST
Live Streaming – JioCinema
Live Broadcast – Sports18 Network
England Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, (c) Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes (wk), Tom Hartley, Rehan Ahmed, Mark Wood, Jack Leach
India Predicted XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, KS Bharat (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravi Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel/Kuldeep Yadav/Mukesh Kumar