12 Jun 2019
20-year-old Surrey batsman receives surprise call up for Lord’s Test
As opening Test matches go, Edgbaston last week takes some beating. We saw standout debut performers, captain’s heroics and more than enough drama to show that the five-day format is still very much alive and kicking.
Heading into the series, much was expected of the two captains – Joe Root and Virat Kohli – they didn’t disappoint. The tourists’ skipper accounted for 45.87% of India’s runs in the first Test, whilst his counterpart’s 80 in the first innings means Root has now notched a fifty-plus score in each of his last 12 Tests against India. With a spirited fightback expected from the tourists, back India to level the series at 15/8.
Ben Stokes and new-kid-on-the-block Sam Curran each stepped up at critical moments in the match to swing the tie in their favour. Whilst Curran saved England’s bacon with his knock of 63 in the second innings, it was Stokes that set England on their way to victory by dismissing Kohli.
The Stokes Effect
England will have to do without the Durham all-rounder at Lord’s, however. With Stokes settling his court case and the out of sorts Dawid Malan dropped from the squad, there could be a great opportunity for Surrey batsman Ollie Pope to make his debut at no.4 in the batting line-up. Despite plying his trade at no.6 for his county this season, the 20-year-old would certainly be unlikely to kick up a fuss at moving up the order if the chance arises.
Pin Your Hopes on Pope
Pope has been in inspired form in the County Championship this season, with 684 runs at an average of 85. With just 15 first-class games to his name, Pope’s selection is a sign that England’s new chief selector, Ed Smith, is not afraid to give in-form youngsters a shot - a move he hopes will futureproof the middle order. Joe Root’s form will no doubt be a source of comfort for those less experienced players in the side. With three Test centuries at Lord’s under his belt already, Root to be England’s top run scorer at 11/4 is not to be sniffed at.
Yadav to the Rescue
To the surprise of many, India opted for just the one spinner at Edgbaston. Ravichandran Ashwin was devastating at times, clean bowling Alastair Cook in both innings. If veteran spinner Harbhajan Singh gets his way, the Indian team selectors will include left-arm chinaman Kuldeep Yadav in the side to form a spin tandem with Ashwin. Yadav was a standout performer in the white-ball games earlier this summer and it would not be a surprise to see the spinner have an immediate impact on this series. Back Yadav to be India’s top wicket taker at 7/2.
Watch live Test match action in your local Genting casino. Find your nearest casino here.
