Top Dream11 Picks for IND vs ENG 2nd Test

Expert Fantasy Cricket Guide | IND vs ENG 2025

Introduction

India vs England Test matches never disappoint – whether it’s a gripping contest at Lord’s or a spin-friendly battle in Chennai, these encounters are a dream for cricket fans and fantasy players alike. As the 2nd Test between India and England approaches, Dream11 enthusiasts are scrambling to craft the perfect team that strikes the right balance between form, pitch conditions, and past performances.

If you're looking to outsmart your competition and climb the fantasy leaderboards, you need more than just star names — you need strategy, data, and sharp cricketing instincts.

Let’s break down the top Dream11 picks for IND vs ENG 2nd Test, player insights, pitch report analysis, and fantasy team strategy.

Match Preview: What to Expect in the 2nd Test

The 2nd Test is scheduled at Visakhapatnam, a venue that has historically favored spinners as the game progresses. India is expected to play aggressively, especially after the pressure of bouncing back or maintaining a lead from the 1st Test. England, with their “Bazball” approach, will look to unsettle Indian bowlers with positive intent.

Knowing this context is crucial for building your Dream11 team.

🟢 Key Pitch & Conditions Insights

➡️ Venue: Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
➡️ Pitch Behavior: Dry surface, tends to break from Day 3 onward
➡️ Best Suited For: Batters on Day 1–2, Spinners from Day 3 onward
➡️ Weather: Hot and dry, unlikely to see rain interruptions

Fantasy Tip: Focus on frontline spinners and top-order batters for both teams.

🔥 Top Dream11 Picks – Player-by-Player Breakdown

➡️ Rohit Sharma (India - Batsman)

A seasoned performer in Indian conditions, Rohit has the ability to play long innings and score big once settled.

Why Pick:

-----> Excellent record in home Tests

-----> Captain’s mindset adds accountability

-----> Plays spin well – a key against England’s spin trio

➡️ Fantasy Tip: Consider him as your Vice-Captain if India bats first.

➡️ Joe Root (England - Batsman)

England’s backbone in Test cricket, Root is technically sound and calm under pressure.

Why Pick:

-----> Solid footwork against spin

-----> Can anchor England’s innings if early wickets fall

-----> Also bowls part-time off-spin

➡️ Fantasy Tip: He’s a safe Captain pick in the Dream11 Grand League.

➡️ Ravichandran Ashwin (India - All-Rounder)

A match-winner in Indian conditions, Ashwin offers value with both bat and ball.

Why Pick:450+ Test wickets, most of them at home

-----> Handy lower-order batsman

-----> Devastating on Day 4–5 pitches

➡️ Fantasy Tip: Always keep Ashwin in your core fantasy team.

➡️ Ben Stokes (England - All-Rounder)

England’s aggressive skipper and a natural match-turner, Stokes brings both power and grit.

Why Pick:

-----> Game-changer with the bat

-----> Useful medium-pacer who exploits reverse swing

-----> Inspires team rallies under pressure

➡️ Fantasy Tip: Use in mid-sized leagues for balance; high ceiling with risk.

➡️ Jasprit Bumrah (India - Bowler)

Bumrah’s reverse swing and pace variation can trouble any batter even on flat decks.

Why Pick:

-----> Master of old-ball bowling

-----> Can get early breakthroughs with the new ball

-----> Known for delivering in pressure situations

➡️ Fantasy Tip: Effective even on spin-friendly pitches due to his skill set.

➡️ Tom Hartley (England - Bowler)

England’s surprise package in the 1st Test, Hartley picked up a 7-wicket haul on debut.

Why Pick:

-----> Tall left-arm spinner, gets extra bounce

-----> Confidence booster after previous performance

-----> Will bowl long spells in 2nd innings

➡️ Fantasy Tip: Budget-friendly pick with high wicket potential.

🧠 Fantasy Strategy – Building the Best Team

To succeed in Dream11 for a Test match, your approach must differ from T20 or ODI formats. Here’s how:

➡️ Pick Top-Order Batsmen Only

In Tests, top-3 batters have the best chance to score big runs. Avoid middle-lower order players unless they’re also bowlers.

➡️ Prioritize All-Rounders

Players like Ashwin and Stokes offer double returns — if they fail with the bat, they can still fetch points with the ball.

➡️ Mix of Pace and Spin Bowlers

Choose based on pitch condition:

-----> Visakhapatnam favors spinners like Ashwin, Jadeja, Hartley.

-----> Include one fast bowler like Bumrah for reverse swing impact.

➡️ Captain & Vice-Captain Choices

Safe Strategy:

-----> Captain: Ashwin

-----> Vice-Captain: Rohit Sharma or Joe Root

Aggressive Play:

-----> Captain: Ben Stokes

-----> Vice-Captain: Tom Hartley (differential)

Sample Dream11 Team – IND vs ENG 2nd Test

Player Role	Player
Wicket-Keeper	Jonny Bairstow
Batsmen	Rohit Sharma, Joe Root, Yashasvi Jaiswal
All-Rounders	R. Ashwin (C), Ben Stokes (VC), Ravindra Jadeja
Bowlers	Jasprit Bumrah, Tom Hartley, Kuldeep Yadav, James Anderson

Note: Make last-minute adjustments after toss and pitch report.

📊 Expert Stats to Watch Before Finalizing

➡️ R. Ashwin at Vizag: 12 wickets in 2 matches
➡️ Joe Root vs India in India: Avg 52.0 in last 5 innings
➡️ Ben Stokes in Asia since 2021: 3 fifties and 15 wickets
➡️ Hartley’s debut: 9 wickets in the 1st Test
➡️ Bumrah’s away swing record: 60% dismissals are bowled or LBW

Final Word: Win Smart, Play Smart

The India vs England 2nd Test is more than just a match — it’s a fantasy cricket battlefield. Building a winning Dream11 team isn’t just about big names, but about reading form, understanding pitch behavior, and choosing multi-dimensional players who can deliver in pressure situations.

Stay updated with injury reports, final XIs, and post-toss strategies. Trust data, but also trust your gut. After all, that’s where fantasy champions are made.