We are aware that COVID 19 impacts causing suspension of scheduled Australia South Africa test series has made in progress India England Series the deciding factor. England winning the first test surprisingly by 227 runs has gained some advantage. Circumstance favoured New Zealand confirming a spot for the final scheduled to be staged at Lords in June 2021.Their contestant will emerge depending on outcome of India England series. Australia can only qualify if the series ends in 1-1 or 2-2 draw. Any other result will put paid their possibility. England needs a win by 3-0. In case of any other result India now staying at the top of the table would meet black caps at Lords. 

The second test starts at Chennai on Saturday 13 February. England mission already got a blow from Jofra Archer knocked out from the match for an elbow injury. Though the other wicket of Chennai is expected to be much slower, gripping and turning yet Archer like pacer can extract life even from dead surface. Elderly statesman Anderson still going strong was due to be given rest being replaced by Stuart Broad. But now it seems that both may play. Other option is bringing in Chris Woakes.  However, England may need to look at the spin combination as well. Moeen Ali though he managed 4 wickets in the first innings in the first test may replace Don Bess. Jack Leach would however lead spin attack.

Everything would depend how English batsman handles Indian spin attack on spinning track. Root alone would not be enough. Others have to raise their games.  On a turning track English batsman has to grind and graft. Off course Ben Stokes like flamboyance would also work. Moeen Ali can be useful addition. Whatever might have happened in the first test India would bounce back very strongly in the second test? On a wicket expected to turn from day one toss will be the key. Team winning would obviously bat as batting in the fourth Innings would be extremely challenging. 

The wicket of the second test in the same venue may be completely different in character. The composition of the soil is said to be very different. The pitch for the first Test is said to comprise of purely of red soil. We found it stayed firm and did not assist spinners that much even on day four or five. The surface for the second Test is believed to have a base comprising of red soil and a top layer comprising black cotton soil. Such surface breaks early if sun bakes it dry. In such situation it is highly likely that the test may not be stretched to day five even. In any case the wicket of the second test would be more suitable for India having diverse spinning resources. It is to be seen who plays alongside Ravichandra Ashwin. Whatever the state of the wicket Jasprit Bumrah would bother England on any surface. Whether or not Ishant stays with him is to be seen. India would definitely look closely to batting resources. It is matter of time that great Kohli, flamboyant Rohit and steady Rahane delivers. Pujara would continue stonewalling and Pant blasting. We are sure India will be going all out for turning around. 

BDST: 1230 HRS, FEB 12, 2021
AP