ENG vs IND: Predicted India’s Playing 11 for 1st Test

The first test of the 2^nd WTC cycle will be played between India and England in Trent Bridge on 4^th of August. India eliminated England from the 1^st WTC after blanking them 3-1 in the test series earlier this year in India.

India prepared rank turners after losing the first test of the series here in India and made the lives of England batters miserable. England will be waiting to avenge for that series defeat this summer and the wickets are expected to be lively which will test the technique of batters from both the teams.

Lets take a look at the likely playing XI of India for the first test

IND vs ENG: Mayank Agarwal to open in absence of Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the first test and in all likelihood, Mayank Agarwal will partner the #6 ranked batsman in tests in Rohit Sharma at the top of the order. Mayank Agarwal struggled big time in the tour down under and if he hasn’t made any technical change to his batting, he might have a tough time facing dukes.

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Another option is to open with Cheteshwar Pujara and play Hanuma Vihari in the middle order who has the experience of playing in county cricket just months ago.

A well-set middle and lower middle order

India’s 3, 4 ,5, 6, and 7 is set in stone with Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja occupying the slots unless India go overboard by dropping Cheteshwar Pujara after a loss against New Zealand.

An all round bowling attack

India have one of the best bowling attack in world cricket at the moment. They can literally play this set of bowlers irrespective of the conditions. The likes of Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammad Shami can be lethal irrespective of the conditions. Ravichandran Ashwin will lead the spin attack and he was mighty impressive in the one off game against New Zealand.

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In short, India are most likely to play the same 10 that took part in the WTC final with Mayank Agarwal replacing Shubman Gill.

Possible playing XI

Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah.

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