cricket.indiatestCouch Critic previews the second test match between India and England including best bets from @Olimp_SA

 

 

 

 

 

INDIA vs ENGLAND 2nd Test, Chennai. Saturday 13 Feb @ 06:00

 

Against expectations the Indians find themselves trailing one match into the four-game series. The hosts get their chance to set the record straight at exactly the same venue as their previous hick-up. Action gets underway on Saturday – here are my thoughts on what to expect from Take 2.

 

The Inside Scoop

 

In my write-up for the first test I stated that England don’t have enough tested batting strength to back-up Joe Root. In the end the English skipper needed little help as he was in domination mode spanking the Indians to all parts on a docile first innings pitch. Stokes and Sibley did however add valuable support when it mattered.

 

For India no one was really able to get to grips with the track apart from Pant in the first dig and Gill in the second. India will certainly need an improved effort with both bat and ball if they are to turn things around. It will be interesting to see how the pitch will be prepared for this clash as the visitors seem to have arrived with bot their seam department as well as the spin options well covered.

 

How I see it playing out

 

I have a feeling that India were caught with a bit of an Aussie hangover. Kohli should be better after his first outing in a while and the likes of Gill and Pujara are more than capable of adding big contributions as well. I am still not convinced that should Joe be up-rooted early enough that there is enough batting quality for the Poms to accumulate sufficient runs on a tough pitch. If the visitors again get the opportunity to make first use of the 20 yards then things could get a touch more complicated for the hosts though.

 

Betolimp Best Bets

 

Man of the Match – Ravichandran Ashwin @ 7.00

I’m not winning to move off this pick yet. I fancy an Indian bounce-back and this being a track that should be worse for ware later on in the test I expect Ashwin to play a huge part.

 

Top Eng 1st Innings Batsman– Ben Foakes @ 13.00

With Buttler returning home Foakes comes into the side. The keeper has had to bide his time but is a more than adequate replacement. After five tests he averages over 40 and already has a fifty and a century to his name. If others above him wet the bed then Foakes could be a lively runner at a juicy price.

 

Top India 1st Innings Batsman – R Pant @ 10.00

I’ve stated that I struggle to see the Indian top order failing again but should they not kick on for a big score their aggressive keeper is in fantastic form and offered at a nice price.

 

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Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change

 

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