Sanjay Manjrekar names his India’s playing XI for Lord’s Test; no place for Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja scored a fifty in the 1st Test.
The first Test match between England and India turned out to be an ultimate treat to the spectators of both sides. Both teams had the tools and ingredients to pull off a victory in Trent Bridge, Nottingham. The cricket fraternity witnessed four days of cracking action despite the rain making its presence on Day 2 and Day 3.
The game extended till the last day and fans were waiting for a perfect climax. Team India were given a target of 209 by the hosts. India finished Day 4 with 52/1 and they required 157 runs to win on Day 5. The visitors clearly had an edge going into the final day.
But persistent rain was in no mood to stop as the day was called off. The match had to end in a disappointing draw. The second Test will take place at Lord’s on August 12. Meanwhile, Sanjay Manjrekar named his playing XI for the second Test.
Sanjay Manjrekar names his playing XI
The former Indian cricketer excluded Shardul Thakur and Ravindra Jadeja in his playing XI. Shardul Thakur took 4 wickets in the first Test. On the other hand, Jadeja remained wicketless despite bowling 16 overs. However, he showcased his mettle with the bat.
The star all-rounder scored a superb 56 including 8 fours and a six in the first innings. Manjrekar went with Hanuma Vihari ahead of Shardul Thakur and explained the reason behind his pick. Manjrekar said India lacked consistency in few batsmen and also due to the seam-friendly conditions in England.
“I feel if Rishabh Pant comes at No. 7, he can prove even more dangerous and can play very well with the tail-enders. I am playing Vihari because, in the last Test match he played, he batted for 2.5 hours to save India,” Manjrekar was quoted as saying to Sony Sports.
According to the commentator, the selectors missed out on picking Ravi Ashwin in the first Test. “I will like to bring in Ashwin, who I feel was dropped wrongly in the first match and I am bringing a bowler who has greater chances of taking wickets on a good pitch.”
Manjrekar picked three seamers in his playing XI. “Shami, Bumrah. I don’t know if Ishant is fit but I will go with Siraj because he has the capability to take five wickets,” he stated.
Sanjay Manjrekar’s XI:
KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant, Ravi Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
