The much-awaited Test series between India and England has finally arrived with the first Test in Nottingham is currently being played. Virat Kohli and co. has reached England with hopes of conquering the land. On the other hand, Joe Root will be eyeing to put the series defeat against New Zealand behind by coming good against India.
Virat Kohli lost yet another toss. Joe Root opted to bat first and named his spinner-excluded playing XI while Kohli revealed they have overlooked Ravichandran Ashwin and Ishant Sharma for this game.
Also Read: WV Raman isn’t sure Virat Kohli can win an ICC trophy
The criticism was coming to Kohli’s way from every direction for leaving out a spinner of Ashwin’s calibre. Everyone was amazed by this selection call including former England skipper Michael Vaughan, who took it to Twitter to express his shock.
Meanwhile, a fan mentioned his son received the spikes of Indian skipper Virat Kohli. He shared a picture of his boy with the spikes of Kohli.
See the post here;
No but Virat gave my son his spikes!! pic.twitter.com/mzfnyaNXPB
— robert burns (@robertb37038936) August 4, 2021
Thank you from Lucas Burns @imVkohli you have made an excited boy very happy!! Spikes from the nicest global superstar!!@MacclesfieldCC @kingsmaccricket pic.twitter.com/5DcH68fhDD
— robert burns (@robertb37038936) August 4, 2021
On the match’s front, KL Rahul is back in the Test side after not playing in any since 2019. He will open the batting along with Rohit Sharma. Mayank Agarwal was hit by a bouncer in the nets ahead of the series opener and was tested concussed. Hence, Rahul got the opportunity to open the batting.
Also Read: Virat Kohli praises ‘multi-dimensional’ Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur and Mohammad Siraj are also included in the side while Ravindra Jadeja is preferred ahead of Ashwin for Nottingham Test. Kohli was in full praises for Shardul on the eve of the first Test and mentioned his multi-dimensional abilities. Siraj is also in good form and was selected to have a go.
On the other hand, England are playing without a spinner for the third Test in a row. England played without Jack Leach during the two-match Test series against New Zealand as well before the World Test Championship Final. They have opted for four pacers in James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson and Sam Curran.
