ENG vs IND: Teams docked two WTC points for slow over-rate

It was a fascinating start to the second edition of the World Test Championship (WTC) as India and England put on a thrilling show in Nottingham. While one would say that India had their noses ahead in most of the game, England never gave up and kept on coming back from behind. The match was set for a cracking finish but rain played spoilsport on Day 5 as the game ended in a tame draw.

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Meanwhile, both England and India have been docked two WTC points for slow over rates by the ICC. The teams now have two points each in the WTC table standings heading into the second Test at Lords from August 12. Apart from the dropped points, teams were fined 40% of their match fees for the same.

Ahead of the second game, both teams have been dealt with few injury concerns. While England are sweating over the fitness of Stuart Broad, who injured himself while training, India might have to go in without the services of Shardul Thakur, who picked up a hamstring injury.

If Shardul does miss out, India will have a tough task of maintaining the balance of the side given that Thakur is a handy batsman down the order. There will be several permutations and combinations going in the Indian camp. While they would like to replace a seamer with seamer, the options they have don’t possess great skills with the bat.

They may consider playing Ashwin but if the wicket is pace friendly, then playing two spinners can backfire. Meanwhile for England, Mark Wood is likely to replace Stuart Broad. England Coach Chris Silverwood hinted at changes in the England side for the second Test. Haseeb Hameed has been in great form in domestic games and can be included in the team along with Moeen Ali, who was drafted in the England squad for the second Test.