India’s captain Rohit Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first against Ben Stokes-led England in the second Test match of the five-game series at Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium on Friday. Rajat Patidar received his maiden Test cap from former pacer Zaheer Khan in Visakhapatnam.
According to a statement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Mohammed Siraj has been released from the India squad for the second Test against England in Vizag. The BCCI mentioned, “The decision was taken keeping in mind the duration of the series and the amount of cricket he has played in recent times. He will be available for selection for the third Test in Rajkot. Avesh Khan has re-joined the team for the 2nd Test.”
Heading into the second match, India faces a shortage of experience in the spin department, and they will also be without key players in their batting lineup. Virat Kohli will miss the game due to personal reasons, while KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja have been ruled out of the second Test due to injuries.
In the second Test, India, under pressure and with limited resources, will need to employ innovative strategies to overcome England’s determined players. India, usually dominant at home, face a tough challenge after a surprising loss in Hyderabad. The absence of injured Jadeja and Rahul adds to their challenges.