India vs England 2nd Test: Expected Playing XI and Strategic Planning
The second Test of the India vs. England series, set to commence on July 2, 2025, at Edgbaston, Birmingham, promises to be a thrilling encounter. After England’s five-wicket victory in the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, India, led by Shubman Gill, will be eager to level the series in this crucial match of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle. With both teams adapting to new eras—India transitioning post the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and England navigating a relatively inexperienced bowling attack—this Test is poised to be a tactical chess match. Let’s dive into the expected playing XI for both sides and the strategic planning India might employ to counter England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach.
India’s Expected Playing XI
India’s squad for the second Test is likely to see tweaks based on the shortcomings exposed in Leeds, particularly in their bowling department. The probable lineup, as speculated by experts and coach gautam Gambhir.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – The dynamic left-hander scored a century in the first Test, showcasing his ability to dominate England’s bowlers. His aggressive approach will be key on a batting-friendly Edgbaston pitch.
- KL Rahul – Rahul’s composed 137 in the second innings at Leeds underlined his importance as an opener. His experience in English conditions makes him a cornerstone of the top order.
- Karun Nair – Likely to retain his spot at No. 3 after a promising return, Nair’s domestic form and county experience add stability.
- Shubman Gill (c) – The captain, batting at No. 4, delivered a century in the first Test. His leadership and ability to anchor innings will be crucial.
- Rishabh Pant (wk) – Pant’s historic twin centuries in Leeds made him only the second wicketkeeper to achieve this feat in a Test. His counter-attacking style is a game-changer.
- Ravindra Jadeja – The all-rounder provides balance with his left-arm spin and handy batting. His role in the middle order and as a bowler on a potentially wearing pitch will be vital.
- Nitish Kumar Reddy – Expected to replace Shardul Thakur, Reddy offers batting depth and seam-bowling support, adding flexibility to the lineup.
- Washington Sundar – Likely to come in for additional spin options, Sundar’s all-round abilities could exploit Edgbaston’s late-turning surface.
- Jasprit Bumrah – Despite workload concerns, Bumrah is expected to play after a week’s rest. His ability to dismiss key England batsmen, like Joe Root (nine times in Tests), makes him indispensable.
- Mohammed Siraj – Siraj’s fiery pace and swing will complement Bumrah, aiming to exploit early conditions.
- Arshdeep Singh – The left-arm pacer could replace Prasidh Krishna, adding variety to the attack after India struggled to take 20 wickets in Leeds.
This lineup reflects India’s intent to bolster their bowling while maintaining a robust batting order, as suggested by posts on X and web reports.
England’s Expected Playing XI
England, under Ben Stokes, have a settled unit but may consider minor adjustments. Their probable XI includes:
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Chris Woakes
- Brydon Carse
- Josh Tongue
- Shoaib Bashir
There’s a chance Jofra Archer could return for his first Test since 2021, replacing Tongue or Carse, given his recent red-ball outing in county cricket. England’s batting-heavy lineup, backed by their aggressive “Bazball” philosophy, will aim to capitalize on Edgbaston’s historically flat pitch.
India’s Strategic Planning
1. Countering Bazball with Disciplined Bowling
England’s aggressive batting, led by Stokes and Brendon McCullum’s “Bazball” approach, was evident in their successful chase of 371 in Leeds. India’s bowling, apart from Bumrah, lacked penetration, with poor fielding exacerbating their woes. To counter this, India must:
- Exploit Early Conditions: Edgbaston’s pitch typically favors batsmen early but can assist seamers in the first session. Bumrah and Siraj will aim to strike early, targeting England’s top order, particularly Crawley and Duckett, who set a brisk tone. Arshdeep’s left-arm angle could unsettle right-handers like Root.
- Spin Strategy: With Washington Sundar and Jadeja, India can exploit any turn on Days 4 and 5. Sundar’s off-spin and Jadeja’s accuracy could challenge England’s middle order, especially if the pitch breaks up, as noted in historical data.
2. Batting with Intent
India’s batting was a highlight in Leeds, with three centuries in the first innings. However, their second innings exposed vulnerabilities against reverse swing and spin. To dominate at Edgbaston:
- Top-Order Stability: Jaiswal and Rahul must see off the new ball from Woakes and Carse. Gill and Pant’s ability to counter-attack will be crucial in setting a platform.
- Adapting to Conditions: Edgbaston’s pitch flattens out by Day 4, favoring big scores. India should aim to bat long in the first innings, targeting 400+, as advised by Alastair Cook’s insights on decisive third-innings play.
3. Fielding Improvements
India’s fielding lapses, including dropped catches by Jaiswal, cost them dearly in Leeds. Coach Gautam Gambhir will likely emphasize sharper fielding drills to support the bowlers.
4. Managing Bumrah’s Workload
Bumrah’s selective deployment is critical, with gautam Gambhir confirmed that he may play only three Tests. His presence in the second Test, after a rest, ensures India’s attack remains potent. Rotation with Arshdeep and Siraj will keep him fresh.
Recent Context and Stakes
India’s loss in Leeds, despite centuries from Jaiswal, Gill, Rahul and Pant, highlighted their over-reliance on Bumrah and fielding frailties. England’s chase of 371 showed their fearless approach, with Pope and Brook capitalizing on India’s bowling inconsistencies. Edgbaston, with its batting-friendly reputation, offers India a chance to bounce back. A victory here is crucial to avoid falling 2-0 behind in a five-match series, especially with rain potentially affecting play, as forecast for Leeds.