IND vs ENG 2nd Match Prediction

IND vs ENG Team Previews

India

India will be without Virat Kohli, Mohammad Shami, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja for this match. Perhaps the biggest loss will that of Ravindra Jadeja as he is literally two players in one. That means we can expect a completely rejigged team for the next match. 

We think Kuldeep Yadav could come into the lineup in place of Ravindra Jadeja with both Ashwin and Axar moving up one slot in the batting order. Replacing KL Rahul is going to be more difficult. India has the option of picking Sarfaraz Khan, who has been in terrific form in domestic cricket, or pick Rajat Patidar who was a part of the squad. 

We think they will pick Sarafaraz Khan because he is more used to batting in the middle order.

There is no doubt that India's batting lineup is inexperienced and under pressure. They should by no means be underestimated, either. Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and even Rohit Sharma are under pressure to score runs. We expect them to come out fighting and show what they are made of. 

India's bowling, although, weakened by the absence of Ravindra Jadeja is still world class. Kuldeep Yadav would walk into any other team in the world on the basis of his bowling. Jasprit Bumrah was exceptional as was R Ashwin. A helpful surface will bring Axar Patel in the mix also. 

England

England stunned everyone with the manner in which they attacked India and kept on attacking. They walked the talk and showed that the 'Bazball' method can work in Indian conditions as well. Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, and ollie Pope looked like the best of the batters in the first match but others like Jonnie Bairstow, Ben Foakes, and Joe Root also looked good. 

These are ominous signs for India. England's batting is coming good and their attacking methods are making life difficult for the bowlers. 

Any one of these players could play a cameo or stitch together a quick partnership on a crumbling wicket that could end being the difference in the end. 

While England's batting was expected to do well, we were surprised at the success their bowlers found. Sure, they had the better conditions to bowl in on Day 4 but credit must be given to Tom Hartley. He was absolutely brilliant and found his feet after a tough first inning when he was taken to the cleaners. 

Jack Leach picked up an injury and so we could see Shoaib Bashir make his debut. It will also be interesting to see if Mark Wood keeps his place in the side after being largely ineffective in the previous match. 

England's batting is looking dangerous but its bowling is not the best. We think they could struggle if they end up losing the toss and having to chase the game.