India vs England: Axar Patel handed Test cap, Bumrah rested
What's the story
The second Test between India and England starts today at the Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. India trail the four-Test series 1-0 and this is a must-win scenario. The hosts have made some key changes in the playing XI as they have handed all-rounder Axar Patel a Test debut. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah has been rested. Here are further details.
Axar
Axar replaces Washington Sundar in the playing XI
Southpaw Axar Patel, who was injured for the first Test, makes his debut. The experienced campaigner has played 38 ODIs and 11 T20Is for India. Axar replaces Washington Sundar in the playing XI. Notably, Sundar, who got a fifty in the opening Test, went wicketless. Axar adds a lot of depth and his bowling will be used to stem the flow of runs.
Information
India's playing XI for second Test
Team India playing XI for second Test: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wk), Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Siraj.
Duo
Kuldeep, Siraj make the cut for Team India
Kuldeep Yadav gets a chance after a long time. He was ignored for the first Test as Team India favored Shahbaz Nadeem. However, Nadeem disappointed and Kuldeep comes in now. His wrist-spin and variations will test Joe Root's men. India have also rested Jasprit Bumrah, using the rotational policy. In his place Mohammed Siraj comes in. Siraj ended as India's top wicket-taker in Australia.
Information
England's playing XI for second Test
England playing XI for second Test: Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Daniel Lawrence, Joe Root (c), Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Ben Foakes (wk), Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach, Olly Stone.
Twitter Post
Axar gets his Test cap
Welcome to Test cricket, @akshar2026! 👏👏
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 13, 2021
Congratulations to the all-rounder who receives his Test cap from #TeamIndia Captain @imVkohli 🔝👌@Paytm #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/WIugeXY15D