India’s five-wicket defeat in the first Test against England at Headingley was not an ideal start for Shubman Gill, who could not have predicted such a start to his captaincy debut. Despite strong batting efforts from Gill, Yashsvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul, the visitors lost the match due to poor fielding, few wicket-taking opportunities, and lower-order breakdowns.
To make a comeback in the second Test in Birmingham, India would need to make a few changes. With no assurance of Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the second game, the club may opt to field a powerful attack without their ace pacer. The combination may result in certain players being dropped. In the batting side, Karun Nair and debutant Sai Sudharsan failed to convert their starts, placing pressure on the top order, while the bottom order disintegrated in both innings, making few contributions with the bat.
Three changes India should make for the 2nd Test against England:
1. Washington Sundar comes in for Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja, the seasoned all-rounder, had a poor performance at Headingley, going wicketless in the first innings and managing only 1/104 in the second. Despite obtaining some turn late on Day 5, India’s senior most member failed to make a meaningful impression with the ball or capitalise with the bat, scoring only 36 runs (11 and 25*) throughout the match.
With the second Test pitch projected to be more batting-friendly, spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar could be an important addition. Sundar, a competent off-spinner and decent batsman, could be a better alternative than Ravindra Jadeja. In his brief Test career, he has a batting average of more than 42 and has taken 25 wickets in just nine games, including a best of 7/59. In the inaugural Test, India’s lower-order struggled in both innings, losing the last seven wickets for 71 runs in the first and six wickets for 30 runs in the second. Sundar might fit in well and provide a batting boost in the lower order that Jadeja couldn’t.
2. Prasidh Krishna to be replaced by Akash Deep
Prasidh Krishna’s presence in the playing XI for the first Test was expected to boost the pace attack, particularly alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. However, the tall pacer failed to provide the necessary support for Bumrah. The Karnataka pacer was pricey and ineffectual at generating pressure, conceding 128 runs in 20 overs at 6.40 in the first innings and 92 in 15 overs at 6.13 in the second. His line and lengths let batsmen to score runs at a rapid pace, ultimately earning him the unfavourable record for the worst economy by an Indian bowler in a Test innings (min. 120 balls).
While Prasidh has 13 wickets in four Tests, his overall Test economy of 5.07 is extremely high. Meanwhile, Akash Deep has performed admirably in the little opportunities provided. He’s been consistent with his line and length, taking 15 wickets in seven games. While the management may debate whether to go with the Bengal pacer or give Arshdeep Singh his Test debut, the former may have an advantage given his familiarity with the red cherry even in international conditions.
3. Nitish Kumar Reddy in the Playing XI for Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur’s return to the Indian Test team after more than a year was not as successful as he had hoped. Thakur scored only one and four runs with the bat, contributing to India’s lower-order collapse in both innings. While he took two wickets in the fourth innings, including back-to-back dismissals, he went wicketless and expensive in the first, surrendering 38 runs in six overs. Despite his potential, Thakur was underutilised by the team management, who only introduced him into the attack after the 40th over.
Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar Reddy has already impressed with a century in Australia and more than 1200 runs in First-Class cricket. While his bowling may not be as good as Shardul’s, Nitish is a fantastic batsman who can provide the squad with much-needed depth in the bottom order. If the club wants more reliable options in positions 7 and down, the Andhra native is an excellent solution for the Mumbai all-rounder.
India
