The Indian team is all set to play a test series against England. This tour started for India with a defeat in WTC final against New Zealand and will culminate in a test series of 5 matches against the home team. During the last decade, India has had a horrible time in England as they were thrashed comprehensively every time they visited England.
After getting clean swept by 0-4 in 2011, they were beaten 1-3 and 1-4 in 2014 and 2018. Hence this time Virat Kohli and company will look to change the scenario and defeat the Englishmen at their home after 2007. Accordingly the playing 11 for India will be quite important and a decisive cog if they are to repeat the heroics of 2007.
Since the conditions in England would be in stark contrast to what they face in India, the team is expected to prepare in similar way. While much of the team selects itself, there would be problems aplenty for Indian team management, while selecting the rest.
Lets take a look at the probable Indian eleven for the first test at Trent Bridge.
The openers
The opening duo for India in all likelihood, will be Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal. Rohit was in phenomenal touch as he looked quite composed in the WTC final. The team would hope he carries his form form the test series. Agarwal on the other hand had started off brilliantly in test cricket but has lost a bit of touch. He will open the innings in absence of Shubhman Gill who returned home injured.
The middle order
No prizes for guessing, the middle order for India is as solid as a rock. Cheteshwar Pujara will be the designated batsman for India at number 3. He will be followed by skipper Virat Kohli. Ajinkya Rahane, the vice captain of India will be at 5. The swashbuckling keeper Rishabh Pant would bat at number 6.
The number 7 conondrum
It will be interesting to see whether India goes with Hanuma Vihari at 7 as extra bastman, or they go with Ravindra Jadeja as an all rounder. The Indian team management will find it difficult to chose one between Jadeja and Vihari. While Jadeja can play as an all rounder, Vihari may play as a batsman.
It depends upon the thinktank of Indian team for that particular day and the pitch.
Bowling attack
Ravi Chandran Ashwin will definitely be the leading spinner for India. The three fast bowlers will be Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami. Moreover in case of any injury, Mohammed Siraj could easily take the place in the playing 11.
A fully fit Indian team would look like this in all possible ways, and should play the first test at Trent Bridge.
