India v England – Second Test Prediction, Probable Playing XI and Value Bets

England took a 1-0 lead in the four-match Test series against India in commanding fashion by registering a 227-run victory in the first match in Chennai. This was England’s biggest win in terms of runs in India. The hosts have lost only seven Test matches at Chennai, four of which have been against England who have previously won in 1934, 1977 and 1985. Moreover, it was India’s first defeat at the ground in 22 years which just goes on to show the magnitude of the result.

England’s win took them to the top of the ICC World Test Championship table but India will now look to make amends in the upcoming matches. The only positives which could be drawn out from India’s performance was the first innings batting displays of Cheteshwar Pujara (73) and Rishabh Pant (91).

Proteas v Pakistan: Talking Points From the Test Series

As far as bowling is concerned, Ravichandran Ashwin was the only bowler who can be proud of his bowling figures as the off-spinner picked up six wickets in the second innings. The form of India’s top senior batsmen remains a huge concern as Rohit Sharma (6 and 12) and Ajinkya Rahane (1 and 0) flattered to deceive.

Joe Root made history as he recorded the highest score by a batsman playing his 100th test (218). Dom Sibley held his own against the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Ishant Sharma which paved the way for England’s middle order to conjure up a mammoth first innings total.

PAK vs SA T20: Preview, Probable Playing XI & Key Players

James Anderson showed the world why he is one of the all-time greats by claiming a 5-wicket haul in the second innings. Although they picked up a lot of wickets, Jack Leach and Dom Bess were on the expensive side (slightly) as they often missed their line and lengths. But they would be eager to do better in this match.

Injury and Availability News

None of the two sides encountered any injuries during or after the first Test. Ravindra Jadeja has been ruled out of the entire series now as he will take more time to recover from his finger injury, which he picked up during the series against Australia Down Under. India, however, have some good news as Axar Patel has been declared fit to play. He might replace Shahbaz Nadeem in the XI.

As far as England are considered, James Anderson might make way for Stuart Broad as part of England’s rotation policy. Jos Buttler has headed back home as well and Ben Foakes is e

Probable Playing XI

India

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (WK), Washington Sundar/Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma.

England

Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, Daniel Lawrence, Joe Root (C), Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Ben Foakes (WK), Stuart Broad, Dom Bess, Jofra Archer, Jack Leach

Key Players

Joe Root

Joe Root is in the form of his life at the moment. His double century was the highest score by a batsman playing his 100th test match. It was also a third consecutive 100+ score for the English captain on Asian soil. It is also important to note that those 100+ scores have all been over 180 which just solidifies the fact that Joe Root is playing some fabulous cricket at the moment. He also went joint-top on the list of most wins by an England captain (26) in Test cricket.

Ravi Ashwin

Ravi Ashwin’s exploits in the 2nd innings restricted England to a low total which gave Indian fans hope of a draw. The off-spinner loves bowling at his local ground in Chennai and will be India’s most potent bowler in the upcoming test match. He is just 14 wickets away from hitting the 400-wicket mark. Ravi Ashwin is second on the list of most wickets taken in the first 75 test matches, only behind the legendary Muttiah Muralitharan.

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is having a hard time to reach the three-digit score, something he was so accustomed in doing just a year or two ago. His performance levels haven’t dropped massively, but he has found it hard to convert his half-centuries into bigger scores. He was the sole fighter in the 2nd innings of the previous Test, but Ben Stokes got the better of him with a peach of a delivery. If India has to draw the series level after this Test match, Virat Kohli will have a huge contribution in that happening

Prediction and Value Bets

India

Virat Kohli to be India’s top batsman at 3.00

Ravi Ashwin to be India’s top bowler at 2.60

England

Joe Root to be England’s top batsman at 2.75

Jack Leach to be England’s top bowler at 3.60

Prediction

India to win at 1.64