India vs England, 2nd Test: Match preview, stats and more
India and England are set to lock horns in the second Test of the four-match series at the Chepauk Stadium, starting February 13. After winning the series opener comprehensively, the Joe Root-led side would want to extend its dominance over India. Meanwhile, the hosts desperately require a win in order to maintain their streak of consecutive series victories at home. Here is the preview.
Venue, timing, TV listing and pitch report
The MA Chidambaram Stadium will host the second Test from February 13 (9:30 AM IST). It is understood that the wicket will be different from the one used in the opening Test, and the ball could turn from Day 1. One can watch the match live on the Star Sports Network, while live streaming will be available on the Hotstar app.
James Anderson, Dom Bess left out for second Test
England announced their 12-man team for the second Test on Friday. Considering the rotation policy, fast bowler James Anderson and off-spinner Dominic Bess are the two big omissions from the squad. The tourists are already without wicket-keeper Jos Buttler (rest) and pacer Jofra Archer (elbow injury). The likes of Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes, Ben Foakes and Olly Stone have been roped in.
Here is England's 12-member squad for second Test
England's 12-member squad: Joe Root (captain), Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, Daniel Lawrence, Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Moeen Ali, Jack Leach, Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes, Ben Foakes and Olly Stone.
Axar Patel declared fit for selection
All-rounder Axar Patel has been declared fit for selection after missing the series opener due to a knee injury. As a result, the BCCI selection panel have now withdrawn both Shahbaz Nadeem and Rahul Chahar from the main squad. Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav is set to make a Test comeback. Probable XI: Rohit, Gill, Pujara, Kohli (c), Rahane, Pant (wk), Axar/Sundar, Ashwin, Kuldeep, Bumrah, Ishant
A look at the interesting numbers
Broad (517) needs three wickets more to surpass the historic tally of Courtney Walsh (519). With one more win, Root will become the most successful English skipper in Test cricket (27 wins). He could also equal Andrew Strauss' tally of 21 tons for England. Meanwhile, England are one win away from equaling Australia's record of seven successive wins by a visiting team in Asia.
