England remain favourites
England are overwhelming favourites to beat India in the second test which starts at Lord’s on Thursday.
The English have strengthened their squad by bringing in uncapped batsman Ollie Pope to replace Dawid Malan after the latter suffered a slump in form.
Malan scored only 28 runs in the first test as the hosts secured a thrilling 31-run victory.
Paceman Chris Woakes also comes in for all-rounder Ben Stokes.
“Ollie Pope has made an exceptional start to his first-class career,” national selector Ed Smith said. “He has reached a 1000 first-class runs in just 15 matches and is the first division’s stand-out batsman this season with 684 runs at 85,” reported EWN.
“The selection panel believe that Ollie’s performances and character suggest he is well suited to international cricket.”
Woakes is brought in to replace Stokes, who faces a court hearing in Bristol this week.
“Ben Stokes is unavailable, but Chris Woakes, with some extra matches and practices under his belt, can now return to the England squad after injury,” Smith added.
One factor India will be trying to exploit is that Lord’s has not been too kind to the home team recently. In the last 10 Tests played at the home of cricket, the England team have won four and lost four, with two matches ending in a draw.
England’s defeats came against Pakistan (2), Australia and – you guessed it – India.