Reasons why India can win the second Test against England
India lost the first Test against England by 31 runs. They would face England in the second match, which is set to start at Lord's from Thursday. In 2014, Dhoni-led India had won a Test at this venue. Given this, Virat Kohli and Co. will believe that a victory at Lord's is possible. Here we list the reasons why India can win this match.
Indian bowlers can pick 20 wickets again
The Indian bowlers have been in supreme form and picked 20 wickets for the seventh consecutive away Test match, including the Edgbaston match. Their heroics in South Africa helped them win a match against Proteas and this is the best platform to make a comeback. Ishant Sharma took 7/74 at Lord's last time and the in-form bowler can be the star once again.
Kohli in amazing form
200 runs from a total of 436 across two innings saw skipper Virat Kohli top the charts for India in a one-man show. With him being in an amazing form, there is every possibility that Kohli could keep India in the hunt. He has the attributes to stick around with the tail and his hunger for runs could spell trouble for the hosts.
Unavailability of Ben Stokes a positive sign
Stokes bowled a lethal spell in tandem with James Anderson to get Ajinkya Rahane and DK as India came down to 100/5 in the first innings. Stokes then came hard on Day 4 and got Kohli and Shami in the same over. He will be unavailable at Lord's owing to the scheduled court hearing. His unavailability is a positive sign.
India's top order can rise up to the occasion
India's batting flopped at Edgbaston and this time Kohli will expect them to come strong and provide a fight. If Indian batsmen can put up a challenge for the hosts, a lot of the work will be done here. The likes of Vijay, Dhawan and Rahul need to fire atop. The conditions are likely to suit batsmen, which might put India on top.
