On the eve of the second test against England in Edgbaston, India’s captain Shubman Gill, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and chief selector Ajit Agkar was seen in a thorough discussion, with a pitch inspection to pointed to major selection decisions before the match. As soon as the pre-match press conference ended, Gill went directly to the center, soon Gambhir and Agarkar joined. The three stood near the 22-yard strip for an extended period, studying the surface closely and seemed like a serious discussion. The session indicated the importance of the status of the pitch in finalizing India’s XI for significant testing.

While England have already named an unchanged XI after their victory in Leeds, it is expected to make changes in India, and more if the star pacer justified Bumrah is rested as part of the workload management. In such a scenario, the nature of the Edgbaston Pitch can be a decisive factor in India’s team combination. India’s assistant coach Ryan Ten Dotk also indicated changes. “I am sure two spinners will play,” he told reporters on Monday. “Which, we are not sure yet. All three are bowling well. Washi (Washington Sundar) is really batting well.” The view of Gill, Gilling and Agarkar in the pitch included a leadership group in the strategic plan before a one-win testing.