In a significant change, Mukesh Kumar replaced Mohammed Siraj in India's playing 11 for IND vs ENG 2nd Test in Vizag. Siraj was released from the India Test squad to spend time at home in Hyderabad before returning for the third Test between India and England in Rajkot. The series opener of the Test series between India and England was played in Hyderabad, Siraj's home town. In this fixture, the star pacer had a subdued performance, bowling only 11 overs across both innings.
In the Hyderabad Test, Siraj proved ineffective as he remained wicketless, prompting the decision to rest him for the 2nd Test and bring in Mukesh Kumar as his replacement. With his effective variations, 30-year-old Mukesh Kumar can trouble England's batters on the Vizag track, which favors slow bowling conditions.
At the toss, India captain Rohit Sharma clarified that Siraj has been rested for the IND vs ENG 2nd Test, emphasizing the importance of workload management.
"We'll bat first. Looks a good pitch...Injuries are part and parcel of the game, but that's why we have the guys sitting on the bench. Two forced changes - Jadeja and KL miss out, and Siraj has been rested. We've got Mukesh, Kuldeep and Rajat Patidar making his debut," Rohit Sharma said after winning the toss at Vizag.
Rajit Patidar makes his debut in IND vs ENG 2nd Test, while Kuldeep Yadav and Mukesh Kumar come in for KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Siraj.
India Playing 11 for IND vs ENG 2nd Test: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Shreyas Iyer, Ks Bharat†, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Mukesh Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav
In the series opener in Hyderabad, Ben Stokes-led England defeated India by 28 runs to take 1-0 lead in five-match Test series. Ollie Pope (196 runs) and debutant spinner Tom Hartley (seven-wicket haul) were the main architects of England's victory.