Injury concerns in both camps as England, India get ready for the clash at Lord’s

That England have been forced to contemplate playing a spinner for the first time this summer speaks volumes about how India have taken the hosts out of their comfort zone. There are injury concerns in the English camp, adding to their long list of worries heading into the 2nd Test of the series. Stuart Broad may miss out and even James Anderson is not 100 percent according to some reports in the media. In case England are forced to field a side without these two, India will start as favourites by some distance.

England are almost certain to play Moeen Ali, an inclusion that will not just add mass to that batting line-up, but also bring in a psychological edge arising out of his recent record against Indian skipper Virat Kohli.

But as important as Virat Kohli is for the Indian team, their batting does not necessarily only depend on him. KL Rahul stepping in and doing the job of an opener rather authoritatively in the first test has ensured that India don’t look like they have any loopholes in their side.

However, that does not mean that they don’t have their own headaches to handle. Having Ravichandran Ashwin in the squad and yet having to keep him on the bench was not an easy call to make. On form, Ashwin makes it to any Test side in the world but the question here is about conditions, and traditionally Lord’s has its biases towards fast bowlers. It is now confirmed that Shardul Thakur, who has some injury issues will not be available for selection for the second Test match at Lord's. This might open the window for Ashwin. But will India ignore Ishant Sharma once again? All this makes for an interesting call.

The absence of Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer has clearly been felt, particularly of the former without him Root finds himself burdened extra. He managed to score a hundred after a long time at home and that’s a positive sign for the hosts ahead of the game at Lord’s. His Indian counterpart too would want to get back to his rhythm. While the wait for the century continues, Virat would want to capitalize on the momentum his side has generated. Him getting back among the runs would be another shot in the arm for the team.

India’s overseas dominance is still in its early stage. They have pummeled Australia twice but it’s the win over England that will truly earn them the tag of the world-beaters. They have started on a positive note; another confident display at Lord’s and they will think that a giant step towards correcting the mistakes of the previous tours have been taken.