India vs England – 2nd Test Match Preview & Prediction
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THE FACTS
When is India vs England on and what time does it start? India vs England will take place on Friday 2nd February, 2024 – 04:00 (UK)
Where is India vs England taking place? India vs England will take place at Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
What channel is India vs England on in the UK? India vs England will be televised in the UK live on TNT Sports
Where can I stream India vs England in the UK? TNT Sports subscribers in the UK can stream India vs England live via discovery+.
THE LOWDOWN
INDIA
As was the case back in 2021, India will need to come from behind if they are to beat England in this Test series. Back then, Joe Root’s side drew first blood by winning in Chennai. This time round, Ben Stokes’ men subjected India to a 28-run defeat in Hyderabad. No doubt India missed the presence of perennial run-scorer Virat Kohli and are further weakened going into this second Test with batter KL Rahul and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja ruled out through injury. Jadeja in particular, is a massive miss after scoring 89 runs and taking five wickets across the first Test. Kuldeep Yadav and/or Washington Sundar could come into the XI, whilst Shubman Gill is under pressure to perform following a run of poor scores in Test match cricket.
ENGLAND
England’s triumph in Hyderabad has already been lauded by some as one of their all-time great Test victories and it’s hard to argue against it. To beat India on their own patch on their own prepared pitches after conceding a first innings deficit of 190 is a truly incredible result, which required unsung heroes to stand out and be counted. Ollie Pope produced a career-defining second-innings knock of 196, whilst left-arm spinner Tom Hartley skittled out the hosts in the fourth innings with 7/62 after being smashed around the park earlier in the Test. In regards to team news, Jack Leach is doubtful and could be replaced by another potential debutant spinner in Shoaib Bashir. Jimmy Anderson may replace Mark Wood, but England could alternative opt for an all spin-bowling. Expect the unexpected when ‘Bazball’ is in town.
THE PREDICTION
Take away the emotion of the first Test and this really does as a massive opportunity for England. India are going through a rare period of vulnerability due to the sheer number of key players not available for selection. Virat Kohli, Mohammed Shami, Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant are all missing and every one of those players are potential match-winners who would all walk into India’s starting XI. England won’t fear whatever team India put on the park in Visakhapatnam and will play to counter the conditions they are no doubt set to face. Normally, India do come back strongly in the face of adversity but when taking into account the absences mentioned above, this really is England’s best chance of hurting the hosts once more before Kohli in particular, returns to the fold for the final three Tests. Utilise the draw no bet market for extra security and back another history England victory.
BETTING TIP: ENGLAND DRAW NO BET
