Predicting England’s Playing XI for their second Test match against India  

After heroics in Hyderabad, the English team is set to create more hurdles for India in the second Test in Visakhapatnam. The visitors turned the match on its head in Hyderabad and they will carry that self-belief in the next match as well. In this article, we will take a look at England’s probable playing XI as the team combination can have a huge impact on the match. 

Top Order

The English opening pair did a decent job in the first Test, especially Ben Duckett who set the tone in the second innings. The other opener, Zak Crawley, would love to take center stage in Visakhapatnam with his batting performance. A lot will depend on this duo and the English fans would hope that they lay a solid foundation for them. 

Hyderabad’s protagonist, Ollie Pope, will bat at No.3 and the expectations are sky-high after he has played one of the best knocks by an overseas player on Indian soil. Pope will be key for England in the second Test. 

Middle Order

The English talisman Joe Root will be the pillar of the middle order and the former English captain will have to compensate for his underwhelming performance in Hyderabad. Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, and Ben Foakes will be the other crucial names in the English middle order. The English skipper would be keen on carrying the momentum he gained with the bat in the first innings of the Hyderabad Test. 

Bowling Unit

England put on a phenomenal show with the ball in the first Test match and the hosts would be wary of their challenge in the second episode of this 5-match contest. Jack Leach’s injury is a concern for England and in all likelihood, he will miss out in the next match. The young 20-year-old off-spinner Shoaib Bashir can replace him as the visitors would not be looking to compromise with the spin department in Indian conditions. 

Rehan Ahmed and Tom Hartley will remain in the playing XI along with Mark Wood. This bowling attack has impressed everyone and now they will have the job of extending the lead in the crucial second match to get a firm grip on the series.