Rahul gets SOS call from Team India

That Rahul was playing his Ranji match in Vizianagaram, only about 65 km from Vizag, allowed Rahul to join the squad on Tuesday, which is when India began to train for the Test. Very clearly, the Indians have understood that not taking catches that come your way could very almost cost you the match.

The India captain sounded far from amused as he reflected on the amount of grass left on the pitch for last week’s first Test in Rajkot, where England took the honours in a hard-fought draw. They are a fit side with incredible fielding abilities.

Mishra (2-60) broke England’s best opening stand in India with his third ball of the day when the 19-year-old Haseeb Hammed (82, 177b, 7×4, 1×6) hit a flighted delivery straight back to the spinner.

Also there is a fair chance that the pitch at Vizag will be a spinning track, someone says rank turner. A bit of uncertainty is certainly there, and how things will work out will only be known as the game progresses. We are glad that he’s back in the side again.

Cook managed just 21 in the first innings but he made amends in the second innings as England looked to stretch their 49-run lead quickly.

England will be looking to edge ahead in the five-match series when the next game gets underway at a venue never seen before in test cricket. “It is important play against momentum sometimes, it helps you become a better team”, said Kohli at the post match presentation.

What you mentioned is something that can happen to any bowler, being out of rhythm or not having a good game.

“If you look at only aspect where we only let ourselves down was catching”. Ravichandran Ashwin played 192 balls for his 102 runs tally and added valuable runs for his team and that really put paid English hopes after early loss of wickets in the end. You’re always going to be slightly nervous on the first day of a big series. Rahul’s batting against Rajasthan has satisfied them about the batsman’s progress.

Speaking about KL Rahul’s inclusion in the second Test squad, the 28-year-old Indian skipper also said, “We were pretty clear that KL Rahul will be our number one choice along with Murali Vijay”. And when he is fit at any stage, he comes back into the team and we are going to start with him. Our batting, our bowling and catching is something that this team really prides itself on. But you can expect some surprise selections as well, he added.