Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri believes Team India’s changes in the playing XI for the ongoing second Test against England at Edgbaston will be exonerated only if they claim 20 wickets and win the game. Shastri’s comments came after India dominated the first two days of the Test, scoring 587 runs in their first innings and reducing England to 77/3 as well.
However, after the five-wicket defeat in the series opener at Leeds, India made three changes to their playing XI. In an attempt to have more batting and bowling depth, India replaced Sai Sudharsan and Shardul Thakur with Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy as well. Moreover, Akash Deep replaced India speedster Jasprit Bumrah as well.
Reflecting on India’s dominant position and their team selections after two days, Shastri told Sky Sports: “The question to be asked is whether the decision to change the side is vindicated or not. You’ll get to know that at the end of the game. If you take 20 wickets, nothing succeeds like success. India have come out there meaning business. They’ve got the opportunity to make that big score, thanks to Shubman Gill’s innings and then contributions from the all-rounders. So, that’s been vindicated by getting Washington Sundar there; that was a very important partnership of 100+ runs with his captain that allowed India now to set attacking fields and put pressure on England.”
READ HERE: “He is like a computer” – Steven Finn hails Jasprit Bumrah after his fifer on Day 3
Ravi Shastri also believes that Team India boast a strong bowling attack to complete a win in the ongoing second Test against England. However, he also added that pacer Prasidh Krishna will have to be consistent for the side to pull off the series-levelling win as well.
READ HERE: Jasprit Bumrah Opens Up On Dropped Catches Against England
“I like what I saw from India this evening. They realized what these conditions are and you saw the odd ball keeping low. When that happens, this attack becomes a little more potent. With Akash Deep, he will give you control and target the stumps. So, if the odd one keeps low and nips back, he comes into play. Siraj is a trier. My issue is Prasidh Krishna. For long spells, can he be consistent? If he can be consistent, then India are in business because the two spinners will do their job,” said Shastri.
“India will always believe they have a chance with the England top-order because, at times, it can look loose with the way they play and when you see their techniques. So, if it’s doing a bit, India will always believe they have a chance so this Test match becomes important now. If they can draw level here, this is going to be a cracking series,” Ravi Shastri concluded.
