Xtra Time Web Desk: Rohit Sharma led Indian cricket team is determined to level the five match test series against England in Vizag after the disappointing 28-run loss in the first test at Hyderabad. With the absence of Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja, the onus will be on captain Rohit Sharma to lead from the front. As far as the changes are concerned, either Sarfaraz Khan or Rajat Patidar will replace KL Rahul while on the bowling front Kuldeep Yadav is all set to get a nod in the playing XI.
Only six players turned up the optional training session on Thursday. Among those present were Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Sourabh Kumar, Dhruv Jurel, Rajat Patidar, and Sarfaraz Khan. Notably, uncapped players Rajat and Sarfaraz engaged in a lengthy batting session during the nets. Shubman Gill, who has struggled in Test cricket recently, dedicated considerable effort to facing left-arm spin. The cricketer from Punjab was seen having a long discussion with Head Coach Rahul Dravid at the start of the practice session.
While openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal performed reasonably well in the first Test, the focus is on Shubman Gill, who has struggled in recent outings. Middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer also faces a significant challenge after a lacklustre performance in Hyderabad. With Axar Patel being a better batter, Saurabh Kumar will have to sit on the benches.
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The second Test is poised for a spin-centric battle, with both teams looking to exploit the conditions. England has opted for three spinners in their Playing XI, and James Anderson is the lone seamer. Tom Hartley, England’s standout performer in the first Test, is expected to play a crucial role in the absence of Jack Leach. Shoaib Bashir will be making his debut in place of injured Leach while Mark Wood too has been left out from the playing XI that played in the first test at Hyderabad.
The second test begins at the ACA VDCA stadium in Vishakhapatnam from February 02.
India’s predicted XI for 2nd Test: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Rajat Patidar, KS Bharat (Wk), Axar Patel, Ravi Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj/Mukesh Kumar
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