India Playing XI 2nd Test vs ENG: Toss up between Ashwin & Ishant

India Playing XI 2nd Test vs ENG: Shardul Thakur out; Who will Virat Kohli pick Ishant or Ashwin for Lord’s Test? – Despite a draw in the 1^st Test against Joe Root’s England at the Trent Bridge, there were a lot of positives to take for Virat Kohli & Co. India were in a winning position all thanks to their seam bowlers while batsmen put in a lot of effort to take a 95-run 1^st innings lead. In Ravichandran Ashwin’s place, Ravindra Jadeja shined, if not with the ball, with the bat and the Playing XI for the 2^nd Test at Lord’s set to be unchanged, maintaining the combination that was deemed match-winning.

India Playing XI 2nd Test vs ENG: Shardul Thakur out; Who will Virat Kohli pick, Ishant or Ashwin for Lord’s Test?

India Playing XI 2^nd Test vs ENG: No Place for Ravichandran Ashwin? After the 1^st Test on Sunday, Virat Kohli declared that the playing XI will be the template for upcoming Tests. That means the four-seam combination could be a repetitive affair going forward in the four remaining Test matches. However, the dilemma for Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri will be regarding KL Rahul. The right-handed batsman came in place of Mayank Agarwal who was ruled out of the 1^st Test with a concussion. But now that he has proven himself, he is set to retain his spot.

Also Read: IND vs ENG 1st Test: Virat Kohli confirms, four seam bowlers could continue throughout series, says ‘This is going to be template’

India Playing XI 2^nd Test vs ENG: Questions Virat Kohli & Ravi Shastri still need to answer

Will Mayank Agarwal find a place?

India Playing XI 2^nd Test vs ENG: Considering Mayank Agarwal is the tour’s designated opener and was ruled out due to a concussion, is there a place for him? Had KL Rahul not performed, the answer would have been a resounding yes. But KL Rahul’s 84 in the 1^st innings has complicated the matters. Virat Kohli is unlikely to change his XI and barring any late injuries, Mayank Agarwal will have to sit out again in the 2^nd Test.

Is Cheteshwar Pujara’s place still safe?

Cheteshwar Pujara hasn’t been in great form and that showed in the 1^st Test, scoring 4 & 12*. That was after a string of below 40 scores. In fact, in the last 10 innings, Pujara hasn’t had a score above 40. However, all information from Team India indicates that he is certain to keep his place. However, if there is a late change in plans, Hanuma Vihari or KL Rahul could be slotted in his position with Mayank Agarwal getting the opener’s job.

Also Read: IND vs ENG 1st Test: India forced to draw 1st Test as rain robs Virat Kohli & Co a chance to win

Ishant Sharma or Ravichandran Ashwin?

India Playing XI 2^nd Test vs ENG: With Virat Kohli confirming four-seamers and one spinner will be the template in the series, there is only a place for a spinner in the Playing XI. The 1^st Test didn’t have much for the spinner with Ravindra Jadeja returning empty-handed. The Test at Lord’s could be different with the wicket seems a lot dry than Trent Bridge. With no rain, spinners could extract some turn off the pitch on the last two days. However, whether Ashwin comes in or Ishant makes a comeback will depend on how the wicket looks on Thursday morning as Virat kohli confirmed.

3+2 or 4+1?

If Virat Kohli sticks to a 4+1 (four-seamers and one spinner formula) for the rest of the series, Ravindra Jadeja is likely to get the nod ahead of Ravichandran Ashwin while Ishant Sharma taking Shardul Thakur’s place.

Also Read: IND vs ENG 1st Test: KL Rahul happy to be back in Test side, says ‘It was frustrating on the sidelines, happy to bat at any position’

Will Ishant Sharma make a comeback?

India Playing XI 2^nd Test vs ENG: Ishant Sharma missed out on the 1^st Test with a finger injury that he sustained in the WTC Final in June. While he has recovered, it is still difficult for him to get a place. With Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami shining in the 1^st Test and Mohammed Siraj doing decently, the only place in the Playing XI will be if Virat Kohli & Co decide to go with 4 seamers irrespective of the conditions. As Ravichandran Ashwin is considered a bowling all-rounder, Ishant, the highest wicket-taker of 2018 England tour may have to sit out again.

What will be India Playing XI for 2^nd Test vs England?

Openers: Rohit Sharma & KL Rahul, No 3: Cheteshwar Pujara, No 4: Virat Kohli, No 5: Ajinkya Rahane, No 6: Rishabh Pant, No 7: Ravindra Jadeja, No 8: Ishant Sharma/R Ashwin, No 9: Jasprit Bumrah, No 10: Mohammed Siraj, No 11: Mohammed Shami.

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