IND vs ENG: Wasim Jaffer suggests massive change in India's batting lineup for 2nd test

Former Indian batter Wasim Jaffer has suggested some changes in India’s batting lineup for the second test in Visakhapatnam.

India faced a heartbreaking defeat in the first test against England, succumbing to a batting collapse in the second innings. England emerged victorious by a margin of 28 runs with one day of game remaining. The match showcased remarkable performances, with Ollie Pope’s dazzling innings earning him the Player of the Match award.

As both teams gear up for the second test to be held in Visakhapatnam starting from February 2nd, India face the challenge of regrouping and rectifying the issues that led to their batting collapse in the second innings of the opening test. The loss prompted former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer to suggest a significant shake-up in India’s batting line-up for the upcoming second test.

Wasim Jaffer suggests a few changes

Wasim Jaffer took it to Twitter to share his insights, proposing a new opening pair and a change in batting-order. Jaffer highlighted his recommendations for the batting line-up in the second test. He suggested, “Gill and Jaiswal should open and Rohit should bat at no.3 in 2nd test in my opinion. Waiting to bat for his turn isn’t helping Shubman, it’s better he opens the inn. Rohit plays spin really well, so batting at no.3 should not worry him too much. #INDvENG“

Wasim Jaffer expressed concerns over Shubman Gill’s batting position, stating that waiting for his turn to bat isn’t beneficial, and it would be better for him to open the innings along with Yashasvi Jaiswal. Additionally, he emphasized Rohit Sharma’s proficiency against spin, indicating that batting at No.3 should not be a cause for worry.

Gill and Jaiswal should open and Rohit should bat at no.3 in 2nd test in my opinion. Waiting to bat for his turn isn't helping Shubman, it's better he opens the inn. Rohit plays spin really well, so batting at no.3 should not worry him too much. #INDvENG

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 29, 2024

England dominated the second innings with a commanding total of 420, led by Ollie Pope’s stellar performance. The Indian bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin, faced a challenging task.

In India’s second innings, the batting-order struggled against England’s bowling attack. Despite a valiant effort from Rohit Sharma (39) and contributions from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shreyas Iyer, and KS Bharat, the team managed only 202 runs. Tom Hartley was the star for England, claiming seven wickets.

India now face a crucial decision ahead of the match in Visakhapatnam starting from February 2nd. The proposed changes, including Gill and Jaiswal as openers and Rohit at No.3, could bring a fresh perspective to India’s batting strategy.

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