India aims to bounce back and level series; second Test against England to start tomorrow in Visakhapatnam 

VISAKHAPATNAM: The second match of the five-match Test series between India and England will start tomorrow. The match will be played at the ACA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Rohit Sharma and his team will be aiming to bounce back from a surprise defeat in the first match of the series and level the series.

India conceded an unexpected defeat after taking a 190-run first-innings lead in the first match in Hyderabad. Debutant Tom Hartley's excellent spin bowling and Ollie Pope's smashing century in the second innings helped the visitors to make a memorable comeback into the match and defeat the home side.

For India, the absence of senior players KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja due to injury is a concern. Star batter Virat Kohli had already pulled out from the first two test matches. The fact that youngsters Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer are not in the best of form also poses a challenge to the home side.

Rajat Patidar is likely to replace Iyer in the middle order. Mumbai batsman Sarfaraz Khan, who has been included in the squad, will have to wait to make his debut.

On the other hand, the fighting spirit shown in the first match has increased the confidence of the England team. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) stated that there are two changes in the team. Veteran pacer James Anderson will replace Mark Wood, while debutant spinner Shoaib Bashir will replace Jack Leach who has been ruled out with a knee injury.