England vs India, 3rd Test: Everything you need to know
England and India are gearing up for the third Test to be played at Nottingham from Saturday onwards. The hosts lead the 5-match series 2-0 and will want to romp the number one side in the world. India, on the other hand, are facing several issues especially dismal batting performance. Here is everything you need to know about the third Test.
Team news and selection
England all-rounder Ben Stokes, who missed the 2nd Test due to legal issues, is back. He is likely to play alongside Chris Woakes. This means that youngster Sam Curran might be dropped to the bench. India have plenty to ponder upon. Jasprit Bumrah has been declared fit and could make the cut in place of Kuldeep Yadav. Rishabh Pant could replace a struggling DK.
Probable starting XI for both teams
Probable starting XI for England: Alastair Cook, Keaton Jennings, Joe Root (captain), Jonny Bairstow (wicket-keeper), Jos Buttler, Ollie Pope, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Rashid Ali, Stuart Broad and James Anderson. Probable starting XI for India: Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (captain), Ajinkya Rahane, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), R Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav.
High-flying England go in as favorites
The hosts will be lethal with Stokes coming in for this Test. Woakes was England's hero at Lord's. England were in a different zone at Lord's and massacred India completely. There will be an added sense of belief to get things done and clinch the series. James Anderson is in top form with the ball and England look ominous.
India in complete disarray
Indian batsmen have been poor across the two Tests barring Virat Kohli and it's not just technique, but also their mentality that has cost the side. India have issues to cater to both in the top and middle-order. Can they stop Anderson and Co. from making inroads? It looks another stiff mountain for India to climb. The bowlers need to be consistent as well.
Players to watch out for in the 3rd Test
Virat Kohli is India's main asset and is the leading scorer with 240 runs. But he will need company. Mohammed Shami will hope to put the Lord's show behind and bowl consistently in good channels. Joe Root is England's go to man in batting and a big innings is expected out of him. James Anderson, who took 9 wickets at Lord's could be lethal.
Pitch condition, timing and TV listing
Both teams will want to bat first going into the 3rd Test given the conditions here. Pacers will, once again, benefit with the assistance on offer. The match will start at 3:30 PM IST and one can watch it on the Sony Ten network.
