Preview, 2nd Test: Green strip a possibility for India, SL in Nagpur

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Nagpur, November 23: Denied a win by weather in the opening Test at the Eden Gardens, a confident India are set to make some strategic changes to ensure that their dominance of Sri Lanka continues unchallenged in the second Test starting here on Friday (November 24).

Having earned the psychological edge by blowing the Sri Lankan top and middle order during the final session of the drawn first Test, the hosts will once again play on a green track at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium in Jamtha.

The hint of grass on the pitch is in keeping with the team's preparation for the gruelling South African tour which starts next month.

A decent cover of green on the match strip is a marked departure from what has been a traditionally low and slow batting belter over the years.

"It seems to be a good pitch. It will be helpful for the fast bowlers at least on the first two days," said India skipper Virat Kohli.

For India, the challenge will be to produce an improved performance in trying conditions even though it is expected that the challenge to score runs on this track will be a wee bit less than what it was at the Eden Gardens under overcast conditions.

India's most technically equipped opener Murali Vijay will be making a comeback into the playing XI as Shikhar Dhawan has taken a break for personal reasons.

Experts felt that Vijay's compact technique was missing during the first two days as Dhawan is known to be a bit edgy early on.

The Delhi left-hander did score 94 in the second innings but it was when batting had become easier during the fourth afternoon.

Another certainty in the playing XI is Ishant Sharma - the most capped player in the current Test squad with 77 matches in whites.

Ishant has done his hard yards in the domestic circuit with 20 wickets from four Ranji Trophy games. He has bowled 116 overs in all, which has been a commendable effort as he was leading the side in all those games.

But it will be interesting to see if India persist with two spinners - especially Ravindra Jadeja, who made very little contribution with the ball and had a lukewarm match as a batsman.

If it's a case of variation in spin bowling, chinaman Kuldeep Yadav is an option but in case there is good carry, rookie Vijay Shankar could be handed his maiden Test cap.

With Hardik Pandya missing from the set-up, Shankar has a chance of fitting into the jigsaw puzzle, bringing the required stability that comes with a No 6 batsman.

Match starts at: 9.30 am

Live on: Star Sports 1 & 3