With the IND vs ENG 2nd Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, generating a lot of excitement, the attention is on the pitch conditions that might determine the tempo of the game. Scheduled to be played from July 2, the second Test follows the thrilling opener at Headingley, where the batters ruled supreme on a flat pitch.
IND vs ENG 2nd Test: A Roundup of the First Meeting
India seemed in charge for the majority of the first Test, but a stubborn England team fought back and won the game by five wickets. With the hosts having taken a 1-0 advantage in the five-match series, the visitors will be looking to come back strong in Birmingham.
The first Test at Headingley saw seven centuries made, as bowlers toiled away on a pitch which provided little assistance. Can we expect Edgbaston to provide the same amount of challenge for the bowlers, or will it swing in their favor?
Edgbaston Pitch for IND vs ENG 2nd Test: Early Look Shows Green Surface
The first view of the Edgbaston pitch ahead of the IND vs ENG 2nd Test shows a surface with quite a healthy layer of green grass. There’s already chatter among the pace bowlers, with a lot of talk of green grass, as reported by reporter Sandipan Banerjee. First time is usually good, mind you, especially during the early part of the Test.
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The uniform grass indicates movement and bounce for seamers, particularly in overcast skies, which you can expect from Birmingham, but still, there’s a catch.
Will the Curator Cut the Grass Like in the First Test?
The same thing happened in the first Test at Headingley. While the pitch looked green a day before the match, most of the grass was shaved off before the toss, leaving behind a batting-friendly surface on which a rush of runs flowed.
With that precedent, the Edgbaston groundsmen might cut the grass ahead of the match, with only a faint color left. If this happens, seamers could have a field day for the first two days, with the surface then predicted to level out and help batting.
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Should India Play an Extra Spinner for the IND vs ENG 2nd Test?
Considering the potential transition from a seam-friendly to flat wicket, India might look at adding another spinner to their ranks to beef up their bowling department. One such name that comes to mind is Kuldeep Yadav, who has caused problems for English batsmen in the past.
Kuldeep’s record against England in Tests is one to behold, with 21 wickets from only 6 matches. His X-factor and variety may be the difference-maker, particularly if the pitch later develops into a turner later in the game.
Batting or Bowling Friendly? The Pitch Could Go Either Way
Although the Edgbaston pitch now appears bowler-friendly, it’s still too early to make concrete observations. The last pitch preparation on match day evening will mostly decide if the IND vs ENG 2nd Test is a bowler’s battle or another run feast.
Key Takeaways:
Emerald pitch witnessed in initial images may suit pacers in the early part.
Curator might cut the grass like at Headingley, paving the way for batting conditions.
India may consider Kuldeep Yadav to exploit England’s spin vulnerability.
Match begins on July 2, with England leading the series 1-0.
ALSO READ: IND vs ENG 2nd Test Squad: Jofra Archer And Jasprit Bumrah Not In The Playing 11
