India vs England, 2nd Test: India elect to bat
India have won the toss and elected to bat in the second Test at the Chepauk Stadium. The visitors presently lead the four-match series 1-0 after winning the series opener by 227 runs. They would want to extend their dominance by exerting pressure on the Indians initially. Besides, this is a do-or-die contest for Team India with respect to the ICC World Test Championship.
India vs England, 2nd Test: India's Playing XI
India's XI: Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (captain), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Ishant Sharma.
The match will be played in presence of spectators
The second Test marks the return of spectators to sporting events in India amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, the development comes after the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) allowed 50 percent of spectators for the Test. As far as the wicket is concerned, it will likely be different from the one used in the opening Test, and could turn from Day 1.
Anderson, Bess left out for second Test
There are quite a few changes in the England team as compared to the first Test. The likes of James Anderson and Dominic Bess have been left out. England are also without wicket-keeper Jos Buttler (rest) and fast bowler Jofra Archer (elbow injury) in the Test. England's XI: Burns, Sibley, Lawrence, Root (captain), Stokes, Ollie, Foakes, Ali, Broad, Leach and Stone.
England could script history in second Test
In a strange turn of events, India don't enter as favorites. England have been on a winning spree since the Sri Lanka tour, having won the two-Test series 2-0. In fact, the Joe Root-led side are one win away from equaling Australia's record of seven successive wins by a visiting team in Asia.
