The 2nd Test of the India vs England series kicks off in Chennai on Saturday morning so what changes can we expect to the line-ups?
For England one thing is for certain Jos Buttler returns home as part of the rest and rotation policy in place due to their heavy Test schedule and the forthcoming T20 World Cup. Surrey gloveman Ben Foakes will deputise. Foakes scored a century on debut at Galle during England's tour to Sri Lanka in late 2018 and followed up with an unbeaten 65 in the 2nd Test in Pallekele. He made a fighting 36 not out in the second innings of the 3rd Test as England won the series 3-0. He fared less well on England's tour of West Indies in January 2019 and was dropped after the 2nd Test. Foakes however is widely regarded as the finest gloveman in England and his record with the bat in Sri Lanka should hold him in good stead for the rest of the series in India where he will face similar conditions.
Dan Lawrence looks set to continue at three with Zak Crawley injured and Jonny Bairstow not scheduled to return until the 3rd Test in Ahmedabad.
There has been some talk about Moeen Ali replacing Dom Bess as 2nd spinner but reading between the lines of comments by coach Chris Silverwood I would expect Bess to retain his place in the side for the 2nd Test.
Stuart Broad will almost certainly come in for James Anderson, not that Anderson has done anything wrong, far from it in fact, England are managing the work load of their premier fast bowlers and will have one eye on the 3rd Test in Ahmedabad being a day/night match with the pink ball, conditions that should suit Anderson down to the ground.
Jofra Archer has had an injection in his right elbow following discomfort during the 1st Test, England's medical team are hopeful he will be fit for the 3rd Test. I would expect Olly Stone to come in as a genuine like for like replacement or England to pick a third spinner with the Chepauk surface expected to take turn from the first day.
For India there is concern over the form of Rohit Sharma at the top of the order and he could lose his place to KL Rahul who has returned to fitness following injury during the tour of Australia. Vice captain Akinkya Rahane's form is also a concern he has passed fifty only once in his last 14 Test innings, the exception being his match winning 112 in the second Australia India Test at The MCG, although being the VC I would be surprised to see him lose his place.
Washington Sundar went wicketless in the 1st Test but made an excellent 85* in their 1st innings and India are likely to stick with him as 3rd spinner for now given the added depth he brings to the batting line up although he could be replaced by Hardik Pandya if India feel two spinners is sufficient. Shahbaz Nadeem has been dropped with Axar Patel now fit. Kuldeep Yadav is India's other spin option and he could replace Sundar although this leaves India with a very long tail.
Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah bowled well in the 1st Test and should retain their places but India can call on either or both of Mohammad Siraj and Shardul Thakur if they decide to rest or rotate their seamers.
India squad for first two Tests: Virat Kohli (capt), Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Shubman Gill, Mayank Agarwal, Rishabh Pant (wk), Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Hardik Pandya, KL Rahul, Ravichandran Ashwin, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur.
England squad for first two Tests: Joe Root (Capt), Jofra Archer, Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Dom Bess, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler wk (1st Test Only), Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes wk, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Dom Sibley, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes. Reserves: James Bracey, Mason Crane, Saqib Mahmood, Matthew Parkinson, Ollie Robinson, Amar Virdi.
11 Feb 2021
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