India vs. England 2nd T20I Live Score: Cloudy skies raise rain fears over Manchester – The Tech Word News

India vs. England 2nd T20I Live Score: With the series still wide open after the rain-drenched opener, India will be looking to get ahead when they take on England in the second T20 International at Old Trafford on Saturday. While the bowling attack is expected to remain unchanged, all eyes will once again be on Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma, who both have a lot to prove.

India posted a competitive 189/7 in the first T20I at Chester-le-Street, thanks to half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and skipper Shreyas Iyer, before rain washed away the contest.

Samson under increasing pressure

Sanju Samson enters the second T20I under increasing scrutiny. The wicket-keeper batsman managed just one run off seven balls in the opening match and never looked comfortable in the crease.

With teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi waiting in the wings, Samson knows he can’t afford too many failures. The 15-year-old has generated a lot of excitement and another poor outing from the experienced opener could intensify calls for his inclusion.

Samson’s biggest challenge was consistency. While he produced memorable match-winning innings, they were often followed by a string of low scores. His difficulty with the moving ball was evident during the Ireland series, where the pacers repeatedly exposed his technique on the seaming tracks.

Although the Indian team management has been cautious about the quick Sooryavanshi, the constant problems from Samson’s side could force a rethink in the coming matches.

Tilak hasn’t found the top gear yet

Tilak Varma also came into limelight for his approach in the middle overs.

Tilak, one of India’s most talented young batsmen, struggled to pick up the pace once the spinners were introduced or the pacers started using slower deliveries. His failure to clear the ropes consistently affected India’s ability to finish.

The numbers reflect this concern. In 12 T20Is this year, Tilak has hit just 12 sixes – an average of one per match – a modest return from a batter expected to provide late-innings firepower.

The bowling attack is likely to remain unchanged

India are unlikely to make changes to their bowling combination. The Old Trafford surface is expected to offer some help to the spinners, especially the wrist spinners, making the current attack fit for the conditions.

Interestingly, the best bowling figures recorded in a T20I at the venue belongs to India’s Kuldeep Yadav, although the left-hander is not part of the current squad.

England rely on explosive batting

England will once again rely on their aggressive batting line-up led by captain Harry Brook. Phil Salt and Tom Banton provide explosive starts at the top while experienced players like Jos Buttler, Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks add further depth to the batting order.

Will Sooryavanshi finally get his chance?

Despite the focus on the on-field battle, one question still dominates the discussions – will Vaibhav Sooryavanshi make his much-awaited debut?

India have so far resisted the temptation to throw the teenager into international cricket, but if Samson’s struggles continue, calls for the youngster’s inclusion are only expected to grow.