West Indies vs India, 2nd Test: Preview, Dream11 and more
The Indian cricket team is gearing up for the second and final Test against West Indies, starting Friday, August 30. India have already won the first Test to take a 1-0 lead. A win in the second Test will see them lift the trophy. India are also in fray to script many records. Here is the detailed match preview.
Top order the main concern for India
India's main concern will be the twin failures of the top order in the first Test. The management will hope to see the top three scoring some crucial runs. The onus will be on skipper Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane. The Indian vice-captain had two strong outings in the first Test. Meanwhile, Hanuma Vihari left a huge impression and will keep his place.
Will we see R Ashwin feature in the second Test?
The focus will be on the team sheet tomorrow. India left out premium spinner R Ashwin in the first Test and we might see him replace Ravindra Jadeja. The pace attack led by Ishant Sharma was terrific. Both Ishant and Jasprit Bumrah accounted for crucial fifers. India could go for Umesh Yadav this time and hand a rest to Mohammed Shami.
Windies aim for a better all-round show
Windies were hapless in the first Test and that needs to change. They couldn't have asked for a poorer start in the ICC World Test Championship. To be bowled out for 222 and 100 highlighted the issues. Windies need a better approach from their batsmen. This could, in turn, help the bowlers chip in and stop India. Jason Holder needs to rally his troops.
Dream11: Rahane to lead a strong side on offer
We have gone in with KL Rahul and John Campbell as the openers of this team. Virat Kohli comes in at number three to add the depth. Wicket-keeper batsman Shai Hope features alongside Ajinkya Rahane (captain) and Hanuma Vihari in the middle order. Roston Chase (vice-captain) and Holder are the two all-rounders. Bumrah, Ishant and Kemar Roach lead the bowling attack.
Timing, TV listing, venue and predicted winners
The match is set to start at 8:00 PM IST. One can watch the match live on the Sony Ten Network. The second Test will be held at Kingston in Jamaica. The visitors go in as the favorites to win the match.