Team India eyes comeback with potential changes in playing XI for second Test at Edgbaston
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changes : Birmingham Test Preview: India Plans Tactical Shake-Up After Leeds Defeat
Following a narrow loss in the opening Test of the five-match series, Team India is expected to make three significant changes ahead of the second Test against England, starting July 2 at Edgbaston, Birmingham. As per sources, top-order batter Sai Sudharsan, along with all-rounders Shardul Thakur and Ravindra Jadeja, may be rested for the upcoming clash. Their spots could be filled by Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, and spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate hinted at a dual-spinner strategy, saying, “We’re likely to play two spinners at Edgbaston.” While star pacer Jasprit Bumrah is fit and available, his participation will be finalized within 24 hours.
Currently, India trails 0-1 in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy after a five-wicket defeat in the first Test. With England in the lead, India needs to win the Birmingham Test to level the series and regain momentum.
Batting Line-Up: Karun Nair Could Replace Sai Sudharsan at No. 3
Despite scoring five centuries in the Leeds Test, India failed to convert its strong batting performance into a victory. Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair both struggled in the first innings, registering ducks. Though they recovered slightly in the second innings with 30 and 20 runs respectively, the team management may opt to test Karun Nair at the No. 3 spot.
The rest of the batting order is expected to remain unchanged. Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Shubman Gill each scored centuries, while Rishabh Pant was sensational, registering tons in both innings.
All-Round Department: Washington Sundar and Nitish Reddy Likely to Feature
India’s all-rounders came under scrutiny after underwhelming performances in the first Test, contributing to major collapses in both innings. In light of this, Shardul Thakur may be replaced by emerging all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, while Washington Sundar could step in for Ravindra Jadeja.
These changes aim to bolster both batting depth and bowling variation, especially considering Edgbaston’s spin-friendly conditions.
Bowling Attack: Kuldeep Yadav’s Inclusion Likely, Bumrah Decision Pending
Left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav is likely to make a comeback to strengthen the spin attack. India is expected to continue with its core pace trio—Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna—despite mixed performances in the first Test.
Krishna took five wickets across both innings but conceded 212 runs, while Siraj managed just two wickets in the entire match.
Bumrah’s final inclusion will be decided after a fitness review within the next 24 hours.
England Expected to Retain Winning Combination
England, riding high after their opening Test win, is unlikely to alter its playing XI. Their probable lineup includes:
Ben Stokes (Captain), Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (Wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir.
Conclusion: Must-Win Test for India to Stay Alive in Series
With the pressure mounting, India will be looking to bounce back at Edgbaston by introducing fresh faces and a refined strategy. The team’s revamped playing XI could be the game-changer they need.
