After a pale draw in the Trent Bridge Test, India and England will now lock horns in the 2nd Test at Lord’s in London, starting August 12 (Thursday). Can India win the match and take a 1-0 lead in the series?
India will have to make a forced change after Shardul Thakur pulled his hamstring and will not be available for selection. Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin can slot in the playing XI while Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav will also be in the fray. The visitors will also hope for a better show from their middle-order as they look to secure crucial points in the World Test Championship.
Takeaways from the 1⃣st Test
Playing at the @HomeOfCricket
Mood in the camp ahead of the 2⃣nd Test #TeamIndia off-spinner @ashwinravi99 says it all at Lord's 👍 👍 – by @RajalAroraWatch the full video 🎥 🔽 #ENGvINDhttps://t.co/TuUpsnI39v pic.twitter.com/q1C7EYBh4J
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 11, 2021
On the other hand, England also have injury concerns going into this Test. Senior fast bowler Stuart Broad has been ruled out of the entire series while James Anderson is running against time to be fit for the Lord’s tie. Apart from this, the hosts have also struggled with their batting. Apart from skipper Joe Root, others have literally struggled to put runs on the board and will look to arrest this problem and produce a better show.
India vs England 2021: 2nd Test – Match Details
When: Thursday, August 12, 2021. 3:30 PM IST
Where: Lord’s, London
Predicted Playing XI
India – Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin/Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj
England – Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, Haseeb Hameed, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Ollie Robinson, Mark Wood, James Anderson/Saqib Mahmood
India vs England 2021 – Match Prediction – Who will win the match?
While England have an upper hand at home conditions, this Team India have the pedigree to breach any fortress in the world. The fans can expect an enthralling encounter with both sides capable of playing some good cricket if the rain stays away from London.
All in all, India have a good chance of beating England and go 1-0 up in the five-match series.