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TimesofIndia.com in Birmingham: As India prepare for a crucial clash in the second Test against England at Edgbaston, assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate offered rare insights into the team’s selection plans. Following a disappointing defeat at Headingley, India trail 0-1 in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, and changes could be on the cards.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! “I am very sure two spinners will play,” ten Doeschate told reporters on Monday. “Which ones, we are not sure yet. All three are bowling nicely. Washi (Washington Sundar) is batting really well too.” This suggests a likely return for India’s traditional two-spinner formula, possibly a mix of experience and all-round depth. Washington Sundar’s ability with the bat could tilt the balance in his favour, especially on a pitch expected to aid turn as the match progresses. Jasprit Bumrah’s availability, however, remains a bigger question. Though fully fit, the pace ace might be rested as part of India’s long-term workload management strategy. “Jasprit Bumrah is ready to play, we will take that call at the last moment,” ten Doeschate confirmed.
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Head coach Gautam Gambhir has made it clear that Bumrah will play only three of the five Tests in this series, irrespective of results. “The scoreline doesn’t change that,” Gambhir asserted after the first Test, stressing the importance of sustainability over urgency. Young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy could also be in line for a debut. “He is very close to getting a game,” said ten Doeschate, praising his performance in the nets.
Meanwhile, England have named an unchanged XI, sticking with the side that clinched a dramatic win in Leeds. Ben Stokes’s team looks confident, but India’s selection strategy could be the wildcard in what promises to be a tense second encounter.
England XI for 2nd Test against India
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Ben Stokes (C)
- Jamie Smith (WK)
- Chris Woakes
- Brydon Carse
- Josh Tongue
- Shoaib Bashir
