Virat Kohli said R Ashwin was among the 12 but couldn't make it to the playing eleven.
India captain Virat Kohli lost yet another toss in the second Test against England on Thursday (August 12). Kohli's luck with the toss has been awful as it was his 8th consecutive toss loss against England.
But more than the outcome of the toss, which has become very predictable now, the Twitterati were upset with the team selection. Fans were surprised to not find Indian spinner R Ashwin in the playing eleven at Lord's.
India made only one change and it was Ishant Sharma in the playing eleven as a replacement of injured Shardul Thakur. "Ishant replaces Shardul, that's the only change," Kohli said at the toss.
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The India captain further said that Ashwin was in the shortlisted 12 but couldn't make it to the playing eleven as they found four pacers in the side relevant. "We announced 12 within the group and Ashwin definitely was part of that. But this makes the most sense for us as a team. Everyone wants to contribute, it's about getting into the game as a batsman.
"We just need to get the job done, whoever it is, that's our main focus. Especially with crowds back in, it's a pleasure to be here. An honour to play in front of crowds for what should be a cracker."
Here are the reactions of the fans on the playing eleven: