India will be looking to bounce back from a shock defeat in their first test against England when the teams head to Vizag. Check our free betting tips here.
India will be looking to bounce back from a shock defeat in their first test against England when the teams head to Vizag. Check our free betting tips here.
England aims to exploit India’s vulnerability in the second Test at Visakhapatnam to take control of the five-match series this Friday.
In an impressive comeback during the first Test at Hyderabad, Ben Stokes’ team secured a remarkable victory after trailing by 190 runs in the first innings.
Notably, Ollie Pope delivered an outstanding innings, narrowly missing a well-deserved double century in challenging sub-continental conditions. Debutant left-arm spinner Tom Hartley played a pivotal role in England’s pursuit of 231 for victory, claiming impressive figures of 7/62 to secure the win.
England remains cautious, acknowledging India’s past resilience on home turf in 2021. Injuries present challenges for both teams, with KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja ruled out for the hosts, while Jack Leach will be absent for the tourists.
India is unlikely to concede two consecutive losses at home, even with the challenge posed by England’s formidable team. Despite setbacks like the breathtaking innings from Ollie Pope and the absence of key players like KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Virat Kohli, India remains a force. The trio of Ravi Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rohit Sharma, regarded as among the best in Indian conditions, is expected to lead India to redemption after the first Test loss.
Axar Patel, known for his bowling expertise, also possesses significant batting skills, particularly in favorable conditions. His standout performances for Delhi Capitals in the IPL and his crucial role in India’s series victory over Australia make him a key player. With a high average of 88.00, including three half-centuries, Axar is well-prepared to counter England’s left-arm spinners, making him a strong contender to surpass the line of 22.5 runs in the first innings with cricket bookies.
In the 2021 series, Rohit Sharma’s pivotal 161 in Chennai and his impressive 127 at The Oval during India’s tour of England showcase his consistent form. With promising starts in the last week (24 & 39), Rohit is in good touch and poised for a standout performance, making him a strong candidate for the player of the match accolade this week.