England vs India 2018: 4 reasons why India can win the second Test 

After a narrow loss in the first Test against England at Edgbaston, all eyes are on the second Test. The second Test which will be played at the home of Cricket, Lord's, will be extremely crucial for the Indian team.

After the defeat in the first Test, it becomes even more important for India to perform well and win the second match. It will be interesting to see how the Indian players approach the second Test, knowing the fact that they will be under tremendous amount of pressure.

The Indian contingent might be dejected after the first Test but there were a few silver linings even in the defeat. The Indian team can take confidence from these positives and come back strongly in the second Test.

Moreover, this being a 5-match series it provides more opportunities for a team to make a comeback. We will look at four reasons why India can make a comeback by winning the second Test at Lord's.

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#4 Absence of Ben Stokes

Stokes was pivotal in England's win

Ben Stokes showed why he is considered to be one of the best all-rounders in the world. Even though he couldn't contribute much with the bat in both the innings, he played a crucial role with the ball. While he took two wickets in the first innings, he turned the match around in the second innings. Stokes dismissed Kohli and Pandya when they were looking ominous and ended up with four wickets, sealing the match for the home team.

However, he won't be available for selection in the second Test as he faces his court hearing this week. On the other hand, the Indian team will look to pounce on this opportunity. Stokes's absence will weaken the England side and it can give India a massive advantage.

#3 Lessons learned from the first Test

Looking at Ashwin's success, an extra spinner can be added in the playing XI

India played a solitary practice game ahead of the first Test and most of the Indian batsmen looked completely out of touch. However, after having played on a tough batting wicket, Indian batsmen will be better equipped to play in English conditions. Also, India might make better choices when it comes to team selection.

Pujara, who is currently sixth in ICC's Test batsmen ranking, was mysteriously dropped from the side and only one spinner was included in the playing XI when England's batsmen were clearly rattled by spin bowling. All these errors might be rectified in the second Test which might give India a better chance of winning.

#2 Terrific form of Indian bowlers

The Indian bowlers were on fire at Edgbaston

Indian bowlers were on fire at Edgbaston. Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar's absence from the side had raised serious concerns over the Indian bowling-attack but the other bowlers responded brilliantly. Ashwin showed his class and took 4 wickets on the first day of the Test on a pitch that was more suited for fast-bowling. He also took 3 wickets in the second innings.

On the other hand, the pacers also did a good job. Ishant bowled his heart out in the second innings and destroyed England's batting line-up. Shami, who is making a comeback, bowled with good pace and seems to be getting back in rhythm, while Umesh also provided good support. The Indian team will be banking on the bowlers to come good again.

#1 Virat Kohli

Kohli roars after scoring his first Test century on England soil

While batsmen from both the sides struggled to get going on the difficult Edgbaston wicket, one batsman who completely dominated the bowlers was Virat Kohli. Kohli played a sensational knock in the first innings and scored more than half the runs of the team's total score. Moreover, he batted brilliantly with the tail and added 92 runs for the last two wickets.

In the second innings too he looked well on course of taking India to victory before getting out on 51. This Test series was considered to be a litmus test for Kohli as his record in Test matches in England has been poor, but Kohli has let his bat do all the talking.

The Indian skipper has been in amazing form off late and will carry Indian hopes in the second Test too.