Axar Patel likely to replace Shahbaz Nadeem for the second Test

After the hefty defeat in the first Test, India's team management will make a few changes in the squad for the 2nd Test against England. India's ace all-rounder Axar Patel has recovered from his injury, and is expected to be included in the playing XI to replace Shahbaz Nadeem. Nadeem was picked in the squad as Patel's replacement, but the off-spinner failed to impress in the opening game. He scalped four wickets and gave away 233 runs in both innings.

WAxar Patel has now regained full fitness. The 27-year-old is prepared to make his Test debut in the upcoming Test starting on Saturday.

Kuldeep Yadav is also anticipated to get back to the playing XI. His absence in the first match raised several questions. Yadav's last Test match was against Australia, back in 2019.

Both Nadeem and Sundar leaked far too many runs: Virat Kohli

In the post-match interview, Virat Kohli did not hide his disappointment with the spin duo of Nadeem and Sundar. He stated that the Test newcomers could not match up to the pressure created by fast bowlers Bumrah, Sharma, and senior spinner Ashwin. Sundar bowled around 26 overs and gave away 98 runs in the first innings and got a solitary over in the second innings. The youngster was quite impressive with the willow as he scored 85 not out off 138 balls in India's first innings. The Tamil Nadu all-rounder has undoubtedly retained his spot in India's XI for the second Test.

Axar Patel has featured in 38 ODIs, 11 T20Is and picked up 54 wickets for the Indian team. He is also a consistent player in the Indian Premier League and currently plays for Delhi Capitals. In IPL, the all-rounder has managed to scalp 80 wickets in 97 appearances. Patel will be a perfect replacement for Ravindra Jadeja, who is currently striving with a shoulder injury.

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