The second ODI between India and England is scheduled to take place at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Friday. Despite being restricted to just a par score, India’s new-look bowling attack made life difficult for the world champions England in the first ODI. Riding on the exploits of debutants Krunal Pandya and Prasidh Krishna, the hosts managed to find the solution to the early assault of Jonny Bairstow.
However, India will need to deal with Shreyas Iyer’s injury, who has been ruled out of the series. But with the likes of Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav waiting in the wings, India will be eyeing seal the series against England in the second game. Speaking of England, they would be ruing losing the first ODI as their aggressive approach in the game backfired which forced them to surrender to the Indian bowlers in the middle overs.
ALSO READ: India vs England (2nd ODI) – Fantasy XI Predictions For The Game
However, the reigning world champions can overturn their fortunes, with Eoin Morgan itching to level the series. England’s bowlers will need to come up with a better performance in order to breach India’s supremely talented batting unit. Team India will be the favorite team to win Friday’s game, with England lacking experience on the bowling front. However, Eoin Morgan and his men have enough firepower to level the series in what promises to be a cracking game of ODI cricket in Pune.
India
With the trio of Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul scoring crucial half-centuries in the series opener, the Indian batting line-up is looking in a good shape. Meanwhile, the BCCI confirmed that Iyer will be missing the last two ODIs of the series owing to the partial dislocation of his left shoulder. So Suryakumar Yadav or Rishabh Pant is set to come into the playing XI. Kuldeep Yadav who went for a lot of runs in the first ODI could be replaced by Yuzvendra Chahal.
Probable XI: Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli (c), Suryakumar Yadav/Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shardul Thakur, Yuzvendra Chahal, Prasidh Krishna
England
Sam Billings, who sprained his collarbone in the first match, could be rested. On a positive note, Eoin Morgan seems fit to play the game. However, Billings can be replaced by Liam Livingstone, who can make his ODI debut. The 28-year-old can be used as a floater, and also gives an extra spin option for the tourists. Reece Topley can also be expected to make the cut ahead of Tom Curran.
ALSO READ: Shreyas Iyer To Miss The Entire Season Of IPL 2021 Due To Injury?
The left-arm fast bowler could bring variety into the attack, alongside swinging the ball early in the innings. The tall bowler, who made a successful comeback from a career-threatening back injury, also seems to have added an extra yard of pace since his return to top-flight cricket.
Possible XI: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, Eoin Morgan (c), Jos Buttler, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley, Mark Wood
