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Aakash Chopra Banks On Rookies Sarfaraz, Patidar To Counter ENG Spin Attack In Vizag

image-ls2qjgsnIndian cricket team (X.com)

Indian domestic cricket stars Sarfaraz Khan and Rajat Patidar are likely to make their red ball debut in the second Test against England in Vizag. Ahead of the game, commentator Aakash Chopra has backed the duo’s inclusion due to their prowess against spinners.

England outplayed India in the series opener in Hyderabad after skipper Ben Stokes fielded four spinners. Debutant Tom Hartley wreaked havoc in the fourth innings as his seven-wicket haul led to a humiliating collapse.

Moreover, ahead of the Vizag Test, head coach Brendon McCullum clarified to continue playing four spinners despite Jack Leach getting ruled out due to injury. He plans on fielding Shoaib Bashir as Leach's replacement if conditions demand. 

Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has suggested India should back potential debutants Sarfaraz Khan and Rajat Patidar for the Vizag Test. He believes the duo has played a lot on spin-friendly wickets in the Ranji Trophy and scored heaps of runs. 

Thus, Khan and Patidar are well-versed with the Indian conditions. Also, since the rookie duo is coming off the ongoing Ranji season, they are match-ready. Meaning India can field them in the Vizag Test without worrying about the necessary preparations. Chopra firmly believes the domestic batters can tackle England's quality spin attack and rated the rookie duo as spin specialists.

"Rajat Patidar and Sarfaraz Khan add lot a value. They play well in spin-friendly pitches and have scored a lot of runs in the Ranji Trophy. They are not coming from international white-ball cricket, which tends to weaken your defence. They are match ready and that is good news for India. They can put England's spin bowling under pressure," Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

That being said, India is bound to make some force changes in the upcoming Test match. KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja landed at NCA after respective injuries and accordingly, Sarfaraz Khan and Washington Sundar joined the squad in Vizag. Rajat Patidar came in as a replacement for Virat Kohli whose whereabouts are still unknown.

Thus, it's safe to say either Khan or Patidar or perhaps both will be making his debut in the second Test against England. The matchup will go on floors on Friday, 9.30 AM onwards.