Ind vs Eng 2nd Test: Three changes Team India need to experiment in Vizag Test

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England took the first lead in the Test series by beating Team India by 28 runs in the Hyderabad Test.

After being on the receiving end in the first innings, the Three Lions finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel, courtesy of their impactful display in the second innings.

Rightly so, they came out on top much to India’s annoyance in the Test opener. From India’s perspective, chasing down 230 at home was never a challenge, given their familiarity with the conditions but they lacked experience and composure to get the job done.

The defeat must have surely dented India's confidence levels as if that weren’t enough, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja were ruled out of the Vizag Test owing to their respective injuries. Let’s now take a look at the three changes Team India need to experiment with in the Vizag Test, which starts from Friday (February 2).

1. Mukesh Kumar should replace Mohammed Siraj

Mukesh Kumar might not be a 140 kmph plus bowler but he knows a thing or two about variations and should be brought into the mix for the second Test. Siraj was ineffective in the Hyderabad Test where he went wicketless and should be rested for the next Test to make way for Mukesh Kumar. Considering the slow nature of the track in Vizag, the 30-year-old will be pretty much excited to use his variations to better effect.

2. Shreyas Iyer should bat at No.3

Shreyas Iyer is one of the very few players who is always open to adjusting his role as per the match situation. A lot has been said about Shubman Gill occupying the No.3 spot but he failed to negate England’s bowling attack in both the innings in Hyderabad Test. On the contrary, Shreyas Iyer has got the temperament to anchor the innings and if the team management experiments with Iyer at one down, it could prove to be a game-changer.

3. Shubman Gill should be pushed to No.4

Shubman Gill managed to essay scores of 23 and 0 in the first and second innings of the Hyderabad Test. The right-hander who has scored 2 centuries and 4 fifties as an opener in Tests, failed to carve out a reputation at the No.3 spot as he scored 189 runs in 9 Tests at an average of 23.62. He hasn’t managed to score a fifty at No.3 and hence, the Indian think-tank should experiment with Gill at No.4 to get any leads.