India vs England second Test: Tips and suggested bets
![Joe Root](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.planetsport.com%2Fimage-library%2Fland%2F700%2F1222117_joe-root-england-jan-2024.webp&w=3840&q=75)
After England's superb win in the first Test there's a quick turnaround for the second Test against India in Visakhapatnam and Planet Sport offers a handful of tips and suggested bets.
England pounced on a moment of complacency from India to take the first Test by the scruff of the neck and went on to secure a 1-0 lead, but there is little time for reflection as they will be back in action again on Friday morning (0400 GMT).
The stunning ACA-VDCA (Andhra Cricket Association/Visakhapatnam District Cricket Association) ground plays host to a Test match for just the third time.
England were involved in the first Test at the venue in 2016, losing by 203 runs.
Typically the wicket plays well to bat on for the first two to three days. In both previous Tests at the venue, India have put up a sizable first innings total which hasn't been matched by tourists.
If Vizag plays as expected it might suit the tourists a little more than India would find ideal but there is no doubt that the team winning the toss should opt to bat first.
India vs England second Test: Suggested bets
KL Rahul appears to be the form batter amid the India lineup having performed in recent Test matches home and away, coming through for his side in high-pressure situations.
Ollie Pope should his impressive ability to really cash in and go big when he gets set and his match-turning 189 could be the catalyst for a memorable series.
While Tom Hartley was the hero in the India second innings England should not forget that Joe Root's golden arm kept them in the Test with timely strikes in the first innings. Root is the kind of bowler who can induce wickets just by appearing a little bit round-arm and ripe for slaughter.
The age of the left-arm spinner is here and India need to make sure they properly use the talents of Ravindra Jadeja this time around.
He could unpick the England top order with a relatively new ball and on a good track.
Predictions
KL Rahul to top score for India
Ollie Pope to top score for England
Joe Root to lead England wicket-takers in the first innings
Ravindra Jadeja to lead India wicket-takers