England and India battle for series lead, crucial WTC23 points

Overview

England vs India, second Test
Lord's Cricket Ground, London
August 12-16, 11:00 am local

Despite much chopping and changing, England are yet to figure out a supporting cast for Joe Root in the batting order. The top three have often been dismissed cheaply, leaving the skipper with a rebuilding job.

That in mind, Ollie Pope is likely to be drafted into the playing XI. Moeen Ali is also likely to feature, having been recalled into the squad, lending a greater balance to the side. With Stuart Broad ruled out for the rest of the series due to a tear in his right calf, England will have to make a forced change to their playing XI. The hosts will also be sweating over the fitness of pace spearhead James Anderson, who missed training with a tight quad.

Virat Kohli's decision to field four pacers and Ravindra Jadeja was vindicated after the performances of the fast bowling department and Jadeja's contribution with the bat. However, with Shardul Thakur doubtful for the second Test, it will be interesting to see whether the Indian team management replace him with a pacer or a spin-bowling all-rounder in R Ashwin.

Remember the last time

The opening Test in Nottingham was perfectly set for an epic finale before rain played spoilsport. A brilliant bowling effort from the Indians restricted England to a first-innings total of 183. The English pacers then struck back, bowling out visitors for 278.

A sublime Joe Root ton helped the visitors to a total of 303 in their second innings with handy contributions from Sam Curran and Jonny Bairstow. Chasing a target of 209, India were 52/1 at the close of day four, before persistent showers meant that no play was possible on the final day with the contest ending in a draw.

What they said

Joe Root (England captain): "We certainly believed we could win. We knew we would have opportunities if we took our catches and kept our fields. It's a shame it ended this way. There are certain areas where we want to get better in."

Virat Kohli (India captain): "We were expecting rain on days three and four but it chose to come on day five. It would have been enjoyable to play and watch, but it's a shame. This is exactly what we wanted to do; start strong. On day five we knew we had our chances. We certainly felt like we were on top of the game."