Top Order Needs to Remain Longer at the Crease
Ahead of the second Test against England, Indian captain Shubman Gill addressed the necessity for responsible batting by the top order. He had indicated that the lower order was unable to complement the team in the first Test. Even though the top order made five centuries in two innings, the lower order collapsed soon and without fight. This collapse influenced the overall team score. Gill asked the top order to spend more time at the crease and assist the team more.
Gill added, "One thing that is always discussed in our team is the absence of lower-order contributions. Like every team, sometimes our tailenders fail to score many runs. But, I was also guilty. I got out on 147. I could have scored 50 more runs if I had batted responsibly with Rishabh Pant. Getting out to a good ball is okay. But if the lower order has no depth, then the top has to shoulder extra responsibility. The batters have to bat till they have control of the match."
Jasprit Bumrah's Role Not Yet Decided
There is no decision yet on Jasprit Bumrah's availability for the second Test. Gill confirmed that Bumrah is okay, but the team is analyzing his workload. The decision will be made after assessing the pitch before play begins. Gill reiterated that the team should be able to get 20 wickets and also have a big score.
Ashwin Suggests Playing Kuldeep Yadav
Ex-player Ravichandran Ashwin offered that spinner Kuldeep Yadav must feature if India is interested in claiming all 20 wickets. Ashwin opined that "Kuldeep can prevent England's tailenders from getting runs. He can win 2-3 Tests for us in the series. His spin causes trouble to batters. If Kuldeep comes in place of Shardul Thakur, Prasidh Krishna must be retained. He played a good second innings in the first Test."
Ashwin further stated that if Bumrah does not take the field, Akashdeep or Arshdeep can be picked.
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