Karun Nair Out, Nitish Reddy In; Changes India Could Make For 2nd Test Vs England At Edgbaston

Changes India could make for 2nd Test [Source: AP Photo]

The first Test at Headingley was evenly poised at the end of Day 4. However, the hosts, England pulled off a great heist on the final day to seal the match and the lead in the series. Chasing a tricky 371, the hosts needed 350 rund in 90 overs which was always going to be difficult on the last day surface.

But an assault from Ben Duckett and a calm and composed finish from Joe Root and Jamie Smith steered England to their second highest successful run-chase in Test history. While Duckett scored a brilliant 149 to take the game away from India, Root and Smith scored brisk 53* and 44* as India had no answer to their onslaught.

The Indian bowlers looked lethargic as despite having a target of 371 to defend, the team surrendered on the morning of the final day. Now, with the next Test match taking place next week, we look at the probable changes India could make.

India's probable changes for 2nd Test match

1) Kuldeep Yadav to replace Shardul Thakur

• Shardul Thakur was picked in the playing XI for the Headingley Test match to contribute as an all-rounder but the medium pacer failed to deliver the goods and couldn't stamp his authority in the game. He was hardly used in the first innings as the pacer bowled just 6 overs in the first innings and 10 in the second.
• Plus, with the bat as well he was disappointing, scoring just 1, and 4 in the combined two innings. Instead, India should go in for Kuldeep Yadav, a natural wicket-taker in the team. In the second innings, England struggled to read Ravindra Jadeja as he almost looked unplayable. Hence, having an attacking-minded spinner in the team could be a blessing for India. Plus, Kuldeep's track record against England goes in his favour.

(Kuldeep Vs England)

As the record says, Kuldeep has 21 wickets against England and should be the name included in the playing XI to trouble the aggressive English batters.

2) Nitish Reddy in place of Karun Nair

• Yes Karun Nair was picked in the India Test squad on the basis of his domestic performance but when given a chance, Nair disappointed and scored a duck in his first innings after comeback. Even in the second innings, he looked out of sorts as England tried to push pressure on him.
• If an opportunity arises, India should replace him with Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was one of the stars for Team India on Australian tour. Plus, if Shardul is omitted from the playing XI, India need a seam bowling all-rounder and Nitish can fulfil that role with perfection. Moreover, his batting record in Tests is also impeccable.

(Nitish Reddy in Tests)

Almost 300 runs on his first away tour showcases his ability to play in tricky conditions and hence, he should be brought in to bring some calmness.

3) Arshdeep in place of Prasidh Krishna

• Prasidh Krishna did pick up a couple of key wickets in the second innings but it came when the hosts were already well ahead of the game and had one foot past the winning line. His lines and lengths were wayward as the lanky pacer leaked runs at 6.40 per over. 
• This allowed the English batters to score runs quickly and helped them to push India on the back-foot.
• Hence, in his place, Arshdeep Singh should come in. The left-armer will provide a different variety to the attack since India doesn't have a left-armer in their ranks. Plus, the Punjab player has the experience of playing in English County Cricket which could help him to understand the correct lines and lengths on such wickets.

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