England vs India: 3 Unexpected decisions taken by India in the 1st Test

A 5 match Test series is often considered to be the ultimate challenge. In the ongoing England-India Test series, it is no different. Although the limited overs leg of this England tour is done and dusted, it is the Test Series which will decide- who will be that one team which moves ahead in the cricketing year slightly happier and more confident about its skill set and mission. While England hasn’t had a great sporting summer, they come to this series having beaten the Indian side in the ODI series and walking in with the obvious home advantage.

On the other hand, India too, is confident in its approach and aspires to play their best cricket and try and win the series. Both captain Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri have expressed the desire to try and become one of the best touring cricketing nation in the world. A win against England in England would be a good start as India have to play a lot of away tours this year.

A lot of anticipation was there before the start of the 1st Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham and though the team selection and decisions taken by the Indian team management were largely along the lines of what was being talked about - a few decisions raised eyebrows.

Here are 3 unexpected decisions taken by India.

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#3. Only 1 Indian spinner

Ashwin has bowled well in the match till now

Although this could be completely based on the wicket at Edgbaston, probably going in with a couple of spinners could have been a better idea. The two spinners combination could have been fruitful keeping in mind how the England batsmen struggled against the left arm chinaman in the limited overs series. It would have been wonderful to see Yadav bowling with the red cherry in tandem with off spinner R Ashwin.

Even Jadeja wasn’t considered as Ashwin is the lone spinner in the Indian 11 which is featuring against England in the first Test. It seems like Kuldeep and Jadeja will have to wait for their turn if India go ahead with this combination. R Ashwin hasn’t done anything yet to get replaced by either of them in the second test

Indians have manged to more or less control the flow of runs as well as pick up wickets whenever England have tried to go ahead- a good sign moving forward.

#2. Shikhar Dhawan in the squad

The southpaw had a forgettable outing against Essex

Despite a couple of ducks in the practice game and apprehension about his technique, especially in overseas condition, Shikhar Dhawan got the nod of the captain as an opener. This decision is probably taken because of the impact batsman that Dhawan is and the age old tale of the left hand -right hand opening combination. To what extent the decision proves to be beneficial for the team would only be seen as the game progresses.

Indian fans would back him to come good against England and silence his critics. However, England pacers will fancy their chances against a struggling Dhawan who had a forgettable outing against Essex.

#1. No Cheteshwar Pujara

Pujara did not find a place for himself in the playing 11

On one hand Shikhar Dhawan was persisted with in the Indian playing XI and on the other side, often looked upon as India’s Test Match specialist, Chesteshwar Pujara wasn’t considered for a spot in the playing XI. This meant that all the three openers made it to the XI, with KL Rahul likely to bat at No. 3 as suggested by Virat Kohli at the toss.

Although Pujara didn’t have the best season with the bat, social media users and netizens considered it too harsh a decision to leave out Pujara.

Pujara has been a Test match regular for quite some time now and one of India’s best batsmen in difficult conditions. However, in order to draft in the in-form batsman Rahul and left hander Shikhar Dhawan, Pujara was left out.