As Team India strives to level the ongoing five-match Test series against England, a strategic decision has been made to exclude Mohammed Siraj from the playing XI in the second Test at Visakhapatnam. Following a disheartening defeat in the series opener in Hyderabad, led by Rohit Sharma, the team is eager for a strong comeback.
Despite securing a substantial 190-run lead in the first innings, India fell short of a victory. Their dominance in the second innings, reducing England to 163 for 5, was thwarted by Ollie Pope’s remarkable century, allowing England to recover and set a challenging target of 231. In response, India struggled with the bat, getting bowled out for 202, with Tom Hartley, the left-arm spinner, claiming 7 wickets. Rohit Sharma’s 39 was the only notable contribution in a lackluster batting performance.
In the aftermath of the series opener’s defeat, Team India opted for significant changes in the playing XI. While two changes were necessitated by injuries, Mohammed Siraj was left out by choice. Captain Rohit Sharma, confirming this decision at the toss, stated that Siraj has been rested for the game, making way for Mukesh Kumar. Siraj had limited opportunities to bowl in the first Test, as the team heavily relied on spinners. His performance included bowling 4 overs in the first innings, conceding 28 runs, and 7 overs in the second innings, yielding 22 runs without taking any wickets.
Rohit Sharma, expressing the team’s mindset, emphasized the need to move on from the past and execute their plans effectively in the ongoing Test. Two unforced changes due to injuries were made, with Kuldeep Yadav and Rajat Patidar replacing Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul, respectively.
“Injuries are part and parcel of the game, but that’s why we have the guys sitting on the bench. Two unforced changes (meant forced) – Jadeja and KL miss out, and Siraj has been rested. We’ve got Mukesh, Kuldeep, and Rajat Patidar making his debut,” Rohit Sharma explained, acknowledging the challenges posed by injuries but expressing confidence in the replacements.
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