ENG vs IND, 2nd Test: Chris Silverwood Says England Top-order Needs To Step Up Vs India At Lord's

The top order of England has been struggling for some while. Rory Burns and Zak Crawley failed to reach the 30 run mark in either the first or second innings of the drawn Test.

Chris Silverwood has asked England's top-order "step up" to support Joe Root in the first LV= Insurance Test at Lord's.

Root's 21st Test century and the rain helped England escape Trent Bridge with a draw Root was a great player, but no one else could score more than 32.

Silverwood admitted that the team needed more from its top-order batsmen, and was considering several changes to his side with Moeen Ali and Ollie Pope Haseeb Hameed all in consideration before the Test begins on Thursday.

Silverwood stated, "Yes, I believe we need to step up." "Joe has been amazing for the past six months. We need to make sure the other guys who are batting alongside Joe are also coming to the party. To relieve Joe of the stress, we need Joe's buddies to score more runs.

It's the one thing we talk about in the dressing rooms every day. I encourage coaches and players to have conversations to find a solution to this problem to help them improve.

We have to acknowledge that we don't get those runs. It is not because of lack of effort. It is not due to a lack in hard work. It's just that we need to find the right formula. It's still a work in process.

"We have to do something. We should be able to get the guys scoring runs and restoring their confidence. If that doesn't happen, I will take a look.

"Does this mean that there will be changes?" This is something we have to constantly consider. It's important to ensure that the right people are on the park.

Silverwood stated Monday that he believes we need to take a step forward in an interview with English media.

"Joe has been amazing for the past six months. We need to make sure the other guys who are batting alongside Joe are also coming to the party. He said that Joe needs the support of his teammates to score more runs and take some of the pressure off him.

Root has scored four Test hundreds so far this year. Root scored 64 runs in the first Test and then hit a magnificent 109 in the second innings to help England put on a better batting performance.

We have to acknowledge that we don't get those runs and look at the reasons. It is not because of lack of effort or hardwork. We just have to keep trying until we find the right formula. It's still a work in process.

"We have to do something. We should be able to get the guys scoring runs and restoring their confidence. If that doesn't happen, I will take a look.

"Ultimately, if something isn't working, I must take a look at why and how I can change it. These guys are my investments. I would prefer to be accused of giving someone too many chances than not enough. Silverwood stated that he will eventually have to make a decision.

Five years ago, Hameed made a remarkable start to his Test career in three matches against India. A broken finger meant Hameed was unable to play on the tour, which was then followed by a significant dip in form.

"I am confident that he is as prepared as he can be.

"He was at his best in Durham when he scored that 100, and the early season championship performances show there's a lot more class there."

"I believe he is making an extremely strong case, and at some point we might make a decision to give him an opportunity."

Silverwood stated that Moeen Ali is being considered in place of Chris Woakes and Ben Stokes, the all-rounders.

"Moeen is definitely under consideration."

"He's always been a part of our consideration. Joe and I will be discussing this at Lord's. We all know that he is an excellent cricketer. I also know that he is in fine form in Hundred right now, even though it is a different format.

"All-rounders like Chris Woakes or Ben Stokes usually offer you options all-around. We've been caught in a tight spot recently, and have not been able to overcome it.

"Could Mo play Lord's? My mind is open to all possibilities, that's all I can say. Silverwood said that if it works well for the team, then we should consider it."