Sports News: India has announced its playing 11 for the second test. English Captain Ben Stokes has asked India to bat first under overcast conditions. India has made three changes to its playing 11, including Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, and Akash Deep, who replace Sai Sudharshan, Shardul Thakur, and Jasprit Bumrah, respectively. The match will begin at 3:30 PM IST. After losing the toss, Gill said, "We also wanted to bowl first. If there's anything in the wicket, it's on the first day."
Akashdeep in for Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah has been replaced by Akash Deep for the second test. The former has not been included in the side because of his workload management and fitness concerns. Before the series, Bumrah clearly stated that he is going to be available for only three test matches. The right-arm fast bowler has faced some serious back-injury issues earlier this year. His replacement, Akashdeep, will play his first match in England today after having represented India in seven test matches.
India is set to play two spinners
Ahead of the Birmingham test, skipper Gill attended a press conference in which he stated his will to play two spinners. This came after the heavy defeat in the first test, where England chased down 371 runs in the fourth innings. Gill said that an extra spinner is always helpful. It will benefit us in containing the English batters. Also, on the last day of the Leeds test match, an extra spinner would've been profitable for us. The two spinners playing the second test are Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar.
Nitish replaces Sai
The No. 3 batter for India in the previous test match, Sai Sudarshan, has been replaced by the batting all-rounder, Nitish Reddy. Reddy had an unbelievable outing in Australia in the last concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Reddy also provides a medium-pace bowling option, which skipper Gill can use whenever required.
