Following a rain-forced drawn game at Trent Bridge, the caravan of the England vs India five-Test series has reached the iconic yet new-look Lord’s. The conditions in the southern part of the country are drier, and it is expected to remain so during the course of this second Test match.
India are probably the less satisfied of the two teams after Trent Bridge. They were the favourites to chase down 157 on the final day and take a 1-0 lead in the series. However, looking ahead, the visitors expect even better all-round show at Lord’s, despite obvious concerns regarding the form of their senior batters, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane.
Lord’s may just be the place for their batting revival, and the reason for that goes beyond the history surrounding the venue, something that can provide cricketers with that extra push. The pitch is also expected to be on the drier side, compared to the last Test match. The struggling batting line-ups of both sides are likely to find some sort of redemption.
India have confirmed Shardul Thakur’s unavailability for this Test due to a myofascial strain on his left hamstring. They have the option of picking Ishant Sharma and back a four-seam attack, or play R. Ashwin as the second spinner alongside Ravindra Jadeja.
Considering the conditions at Lord’s, the second one is most likely.
England too are likely to miss the experience of over 1,100 Test wickets. Stuart Broad Broad has injured his calf and already been ruled out for the entire series, while James Anderson has picked up a niggle and the final call on his will be taken before the toss.
Mark Wood is all set to feature in the XI, while Saqib Mahmood has been added to the squad. Mahmood may make his debut if Anderson does not make it. Zak Crawley, who averages 11 this year, may make way for Haseeb Hameed as well.
Moeen Ali's recall to the squad almost certainly ensures him being picked. If that happens, he will become the first specialist spinner to play for England this summer. He may replace Dan Lawrence.
Head to head
Out of the 127 Test matches between these two team, India have won 29, drawn 49 and lost 48.
– Moeen has an excellent record against India in Test cricket in England. In the 2014 series he picked up as many as 19 wickets. He is also a decent batting option. Hence, he can be good utility pick for your fantasy teams.
– Joe Root has hit form at Trent Bridge and on the batting-friendly surface in Lord’s. He is expected to lead the England batting line-up yet again. He is your ideal pick for the captain’s slot.
– Despite Virat Kohli’s recent struggle, one can back him to do well in this game. Kohli is due for a three-figure score for a while now and Lord’s can bring the best out of him.
Likely XIs
England: Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, Haseeb Hameed, Joe Root (c), Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (wk), Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Ollie Robinson, Mark Wood, James Anderson/Saqib Mahmood
India: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj
Prediction:
India to take 1-0 lead in the series following a solid all-round show at Lord’s.