The second Test of Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy between India and England at Edgbaston, starting June 30, promises another compelling chapter in this summer’s rivalry. After England’s spirited five-wicket win at Headingley, both sides enter Birmingham with selection decisions under the spotlight.
England have stuck to their winning formula, while India are juggling fitness, balance and conditions to field their best XI in what could be a rain-affected encounter.
England Name Unchanged XI; Archer’s Return Deferred
England have named an unchanged XI from the side that chased down 371 at Headingley, showing faith in the group that delivered an impressive victory. That means Jofra Archer’s much-anticipated return to Test cricket will have to wait until the Lord’s Test next week.
Archer, who last played a Test in February 2021, was in contention but was unavailable for training on Monday due to a family emergency and will rejoin the squad on Tuesday.
Josh Tongue keeps his place after a fine performance with seven lower-order wickets, while Brydon Carse retains his spot in the new-ball attack. Chris Woakes, despite a quiet outing with the ball, is backed to rediscover his rhythm after an ankle injury curtailed his early season.
India Weighing Up Bumrah’s Inclusion Amid Management Plan
Jasprit Bumrah is fit and ready for selection, but India are undecided whether to unleash him at Edgbaston or preserve him for later in the series. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate explained the dilemma:
“Bumrah is ready to play. It’s how we manage these four Tests. So if we feel like there’s value in playing him in this Test, we’ll make that call at the very last minute.”
India are mindful of workload management, with Bumrah expected to play only three of the five Tests. The team is factoring in weather forecasts and pitch conditions, with rain predicted on days one, four and five, and the pitch showing patchy grass and dry underneath.
“We feel that whatever we put out there, we can compete in this Test match. We came pretty close without Jasprit in the second innings at Leeds. You can’t win the series with just one bowler, and the bowlers are aware they need to chip in,” ten Doeschate added.
Two spinners Likely As India Search For The Right Balance
India appear set to field two spinners, given the nature of the Edgbaston pitch and concerns over batting depth. The combination is yet to be finalised, with Washington Sundar’s all-round ability putting him in strong contention.
“It’s just which two we play, and that goes back to juggling the batting depth. All three spinners are bowling very nicely. Washi is batting very nicely. So it’s just which combination we go with — the allrounder-spinner or the out-and-out spinner,” said ten Doeschate.
The management is balancing attacking intent with the need for depth:
“We’ve discussed playing four tailenders. When you’re 430 for 3 it’s fine, but when you’re 200 for 5 it’s a different ball game,” ten Doeschate admitted.
Nitish Reddy In Contention As Slip Cordon Reshaped
India’s slip cordon has seen a reshuffle after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s three drops at Headingley. While Karun Nair, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill remain the first three, Nitish Reddy and Sai Sudharsan rotated at fourth slip and gully in practice.
Ten Doeschate clarified the change was about long-term fielding development, though he acknowledged Reddy’s rising case for selection: “He’s very close to getting a game. We wanted to go with the bowling allrounder last game, but now we’re looking at ways to get a batting allrounder in, and Nitish is our premium batting allrounder at the moment. I’d say he’s a very good chance to play this Test.”
