IND vs ENG: England are aiming to give the Indian batsmen sleepless nights in the second game of the five-match series starting February 2. Given the Indian batsmen’s problems against Tom Hartley, the England team can take the field with four spinners. England’s decision could also prove to be right as the pitch in Visakhapatnam would prove helpful for the spinners. England coach Bradham McCullum claims he is not afraid of making the decision to take the field with four spinners.
England defeated Team India by 28 runs in the first Test. England took a 1-0 lead in the series. Now, 20-year-old young spinner Shoaib Bashir is also available for the second Test. McCullum said the ploy of giving Hartley the first Test worked. The England coach said: “Hartille was playing his first game.” Previously, Hartley only played first-class cricket. But our choice turned out to be correct. Hartley showed how even a lost game could be turned into a win. We have to make such bold decisions.”
England is in trouble
However, it will not be so easy for England to make this decision. England’s most experienced spinner Jack Leach is struggling with injuries. Leach was injured on the first day of the first Test and it is not certain whether he will play in the second Test. However, Ben Stokes has not ruled out the possibility of Leach being used. Apart from this, England’s another spinner Rehan not only proved ineffective in the first Test but the Indian batsmen also attacked him heavily. On many occasions during the game it felt as if England were missing their most experienced fast bowler, James Anderson. However, the Visakhapatnam pitch will prove more helpful to spinners than Hyderabad.