After an exhilarating first test match at Kolkata, all eyes have now turned towards Nagpur as both India and Sri Lanka are readying for the second test at Nagpur. In Kolkata, India proved why they are a world class team – despite getting all-out for 172 in the first innings – Virat Kohli and company fought back hard in the second innings to miss a win by 3 wickets and bad weather conditions.

Sri Lanka tour of India, 2017

Apart from a sublime ton from Virat Kohli in the second innings, the fast bowling pair of Bhuvi and Shami ripped apart the Lankan batting order sharing a total of eight wickets between them at Kolkata test. Now, that Bhuvneshwar Kumar has opted out of the test for personal reason, all-rounder Vijay Shankar is all set to don the test cap at Nagpur on Friday.

The second test match goes live from Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur from 24^th November onwards. Until now, this ground has hosted four international test matches. India has recorded the highest total against New Zealand with the figure of 566 for 8 in 165 Overs. While the Black Caps hold the dubious record of scoring 175 (lowest on this pitch) against India. Overall, it’s a solid batting pitch with some support for the fast bowlers as well.

A lot will depend upon the Indian pace troika of Umesh Yadav, Shami and Vijay debutant Shankar. If they provide a couple of breakthroughs in the first session of Indian bowling then definitely Lankans will be under pressure. Sri Lanka’s current form is not too well and India will definitely have upper hand at the 2^nd test too.

Much of Sri Lanka’s hope will ride on Vishwa Fernando and experienced Angelo Mathews during the test at Nagpur. If the Lankan duo starts troubling the Indian batsmen from the very start with their aggressive pace bowling then safely negotiating these two will be the only viable option before the Indians. As of now, Sri Lanka’s win in the series is impossible but they could very well create some tensed moments on the ground.

India vs Sri Lanka: Statistics Alert

#1 – India and Sri Lanka have played 41 tests against each other until now. India won 19 of them while Sri Lanka have won 7 of them. The remaining 15 tests ended in draw.  

#2 – India have successfully won its last five series in a row.

#3 – Virat Kohli is just 238 runs away from entering into the 5000-run club.

#4 – One more ton from Virat Kohli’s bat (Number – 19) will make him India’s 6^th highest century maker in test matches.

Probable Playing XI (Both Teams)

India: Vijay Shankar, Virat Kohli (Captain), K L Rahul, Murali Vijay, Hardik Pandya, Wriddhiman Saha (Wicket Keeper), Umesh Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami and Cheteshwar Pujara.

Sri Lanka: Dinesh Chandimal (Captain), Dumuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Suranga Lakmal, Angelo Mathews, Lahiru Thirimane, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera/Lahiru Gamage, Niroshan Dickwella (Wicket Keeper), Dasun Shanaka and Vishwa Fernando.

Tags: 2nd Test, India, Nagpur, Sri Lanka, Virat Kohli