Persistent light showers in Chandigarh and Mohali since early morning delayed the start of the second Test between India and England at the Punjab Cricket Association stadium in Mohali on Thursday.

The start of play has been delayed by 45 minutes and the Test match will now start at 1045 IST.

The first Test of the series was drawn after the depleted England side put up a spirited performance.

India are likely to leave out batsmen Vangipurappu Laxman, Mohammad Kaif and paceman Shantakumaran Sreesanth, who is recovering from influenza.

Twenty-two-year old seamer Munaf Patel looks set for his international debut after capturing 10 wickets in England's eight-wicket defeat in a three-day tour game earlier.