England bowler Chris Woakes mentioned that the team is ready with plans for Rishabh Pant, who had two centuries in the initial Test match. At Headingley, Pant got back into form, beating MS Dhoni’s record for most centuries by an Indian keeper in Test matches. He displayed great control in both innings.
Pant was heard criticizing himself on the stump mic for trying risky shots when India needed him to stay in. Woakes commented on Pant’s performance in the first Test, stating that Test cricket is more appealing when Pant is batting.
Woakes noted before the match on June 30, Rishabh is unpredictable, which can be both exciting and challenging for bowlers.
He added, It’s always appealing when he’s batting. He scored two centuries in Headingley, and we hope to get him out sooner this time. We haven’t met yet, but we’ll talk about plans for some of the players we faced last week.
The English team announced the same playing XI for the second Test match soon after Woakes’ press conference. Jofra Archer was not included, even after joining the squad for the Edgbaston Test match.
India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, suggested that the Indian team would likely make changes, possibly including two spinners in the second Test match.