England shocked the cricket world by turning around their seemingly hopeless situation to win the series opener in India. Next up for the sides is a tripe to Visakhapatnam for the second Test. James Richardson previews.
While Brendon McCullum’s men are on a high after their first Test triumph, in a five-match Test series, there is little room to pat yourself on the back.
The Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in
Pothanamallayapalam, Visakhapatnam has only staged two Tests previously. Across the four first digs at the venue, 400 was breached three times suggesting this match could follow a similar pattern as the first.
To Win Match
India 11/20 | Draw 10/1 | England 2/1
India have a few demons to wrestle with after letting a strong position slip in the first Test with a poor third day.
KL Rahul still looks like the form batter in this lineup and India may want to consider promoting him up the order to shore things up.
India showed that they can bat deep in their first innings in the first Test but batters getting starts and failing to cash in came back to haunt them.
Still, India have a potentially very dangerous batting lineup capable of a huge score especially if Yashasvi Jaiswal can make good on his promise.
England are on a great position but will want to stay on the front foot knowing how these tours of India can grind a team to the nub.
Joe Root’s overs were a huge bonus for England even as they played a record number of spinners last time out.
Tom Hartley had the dream debut and England will hope that he can maintain his momentum to keep driving this team forward.
England are likely to use more spin this time around emboldened by some strong displays.
Verdict: India 11/20
India are a force at home in the longest format and won’t let the first-Test defeat deflate them. Expect a response.
