Vizag Test: Five things Virat Kohli must do to win versus England

After England run India close in the opening Test in Rajkot, Virat Kohli’s team needs to pull up their socks in Visakhapatnam, the second in the five-match India-England Test series..

India were behind England in the drawn Rajkot Test. They will have to address these areas if they are to drive home the advantage in their den.

Ajinkya Rahane dropped England's captain Alastair Cook on the first morning of the Rajkot Test. In all India dropped five catches in the match. (AFP)

Bat once, bat big

This of course will depend on whether India win the toss. However, the dry pitch here means India won’t hesitate to bat if the coin lands in their favour. Bat once, and big, because this pitch could turn into a nightmare for batsmen on the last two days.

Improve catching

Five catches were dropped in the Rajkot Test. If India want to win this Test, they can’t fluff any catch, and must be sharp in the close cordon. Given that this pitch could play slow and produce variable bounce, it will be important that slip fielders don’t stand too far behind the stumps.

Learn the DRS trade

India coach Anil Kumble admitted things could have been different in Rajkot had they called for DRS on some occasions. India are still new with reviewing but will have to quickly catch up with England, who are pros at calling for tech back-up.

Don’t allow easy singles

Less than half of what England scored in the first innings came in boundaries and sixes. That meant England were fed a lot of deliveries that went for singles and twos. Indian bowlers must find ways to stop England batsmen from taking easy runs. That could frustrate them and work in India’s favour.

Find a part-time bowler

Despite having five frontline bowlers, India were one bowler less than what England brought to the table in Rajkot — three pacers and three spinners. India could identify a part-timer, preferably a spinner, who can send down a few overs, for variety if not for anything else.