Injury scare for both teams, Shardul Thakur, Stuart Broad suffer injuries, Doubtful for Lord’s Test

Big setbacks for both England and Indian cricket team ahead of the 2nd Test at Lord’s as Stuart Broad and Shardul Thakur suffer injuries and are likely to miss the second Test, beginning on August 12. England suffered an injury scare ahead of the second Test against India with key pacer Broad tweaking his right calf during a warm-up at the Lord’s on Tuesday. On the other hand, India pace-bowling all-rounder Thakur has also done some harm to his hamstring in the leadup to the second Test while he was practicing with the squad.

As per UK media reports, the 35-year-old is not able to place any weight on his right leg after the incident. He might have undergone a calf strain or Achilles tendon problem that could even rule him out of the ongoing five-match series. Broad was supposed to play his 150th Test at the Mecca of Cricket, but now his place in XI is in jeopardy. The pacer had taken alone wicket against India in the opening Test. Stuart Broad’s injury could open a place for Mark Wood to enter the playing XI and join the likes of James Anderson, Sam Curran, and Ollie.

The Guardian reported that the Indian bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur might face a hamstring injury, which could be worrying signs for the Indian side. In the two innings, Thakur picked up four wickets combinedly and looked very impressive in the spells he bowled. However, India can get in an all-rounder, R Ashwin, or replace him with pacers Ishant Sharma or Umesh Yadav.

India had the edge in the first test and England will have to improve their batting performance to get back into reckonings. For England, Haseeb Hameed and Moeen Ali are in line to enter the playing XI against India. While Haseeb Hameed could replace Zak Crawley who averages just over 11 in tests, Dan Lawrence/ Dominic Sibley could miss the spot for Moeen Ali who could bat in the top 3.