Former India Cricketers Parthiv Patel, Deep Dasgupta, and RP Singh, in a conversation with Aakash Chopra, discussed India’s playing XIs for the second test match.
The first test match between England and India ended in a draw at Trent Bridge, Nottingham after rain played the spoilsport. The exclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin from India’s playing XI sparked a lot of debate. But with Shardul Thakur injured, there is an opportunity for the off-spinner to feature in the XI for the next test.
Shardul Thakur is unlikely to play the Lord's Test, leaving India with a selection headache #ENGvIND
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) August 11, 2021
In a video uploaded on Aakash Chopra’s Youtube Channel, Parthiv Patel expressed his thoughts on the chances of Ravichandran Ashwin’s inclusion in the team. Parthiv said, “One is that it’s a used wicket (as The Hundred tournament is being played) and the other is the slope. Graeme Swann used to enjoy a lot playing at Lord’s due to the slope. So, there will be a case for Ashwin in the squad, unless it’s a Green top. I would play two spinners – Ashwin and Jadeja, and three pacers.”
“I am happy to go in with two spinners – Ashwin in place of Shardul,” Deep Dasgupta said in agreement with Parthiv Patel.
The Former Cricketers also weighed in on Ishant Sharma featuring in the playing XI for the second test. “Ishant has had such a long career, and in the last two years, he has improved a lot. But according to me, he was never out strike bowler, he was always our number 3, number 4 bowler. So, I will stick to the same four pacers,” said RP Singh. Parthiv and Deep Dasgupta also echoed the same thoughts.
The second test match between England and India will take place from August 12 to August 16 at the Lord’s Cricket Ground, London.