Proper analyses would reflect that overall, India played better cricket than England and were decently placed to win the drawn first Test in Nottingham if not for a washout on the final day.

It would thus be fair to say that going into the second Test beginning on Thursday at Lord’s, India are in a better frame of mind, particularly as the hosts’ batting in the longest format has been ordinary in recent times.

But looking at how things have panned out in the English camp on the eve of the second Test, captain Virat Kohli and his men have every reason to feel super excited. Stuart Broad has been ruled out because of a tear in his right calf; James Anderson has a tight left quad that makes him uncertain.

England’s top-order batting has been a major concern. “It’s advantage India because in any case, England’s batting is a concern as barring (captain) Joe Root, we don’t see others with the correct technique. India do have the upper hand,” former India batsman Mohammed Kaif, one of the Sony panelists, said.

Rohit Sharma during practice at Lord’s on Wednesday, the eve of the second Test against England. AP/PTI

India, however, will have to work on their combination too as pacer all-rounder Shardul Thakur is ruled out because of injury in his left hamstring. “We expect Shardul to be back for the third Test (starting from August 25 in Leeds),” Kohli said on Wednesday.

But who replaces Shardul? Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who’s also handy with the bat, or Ishant Sharma, to further strengthen the in-form pace attack?

Kohli was ambiguous. “Good thing is that (Ravindra) Jadeja has got runs in the first Test and he’s going into the second game with confidence, which already makes our batting deeper,” he said.

“Yes, Shardul brings in more batting ability but having said that, from the batsmen’s point of view, we are well placed because every game is an opportunity for the other batters to step up as well. We don’t feel we’ll be a batsman short if Shardul doesn’t play.

“For us it’s about finding that perfect balance. But if someone like Shardul is not available, then we will definitely think of how to pick up 20 wickets and not try to plug in another guy who can give us some runs with the bat.”

Talking of the Lord’s pitch, there appears to be a fair sprinkling of grass on it. Conditions are expected to be drier and brighter compared to how they were in Nottingham, though there’s forecast of rain from Day II of the Test.

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