(Info4now)- As we started the first preview of this series, it was quoted as ‘it is between your ability and the other’s weakness’. India vs England series stands upon this formula. While New Zealand in WTC Final produced an excellent attack with four premier pacers and super brain work of a nice Kane, England failed in every department. Day 4 of the first match got washed away and England had a chance to meditate. In the second game they looked for a healthy score in the first innings and of course to secure the game—not to win. Every time they execute something good, it looks defensive. India knew well the weakness of the opposition. They waited for the moment. They exploit the flaws and unstable parts of England at the right time and get ahead in the context. They look very compact before India vs England 3rd Test.
If you are a cricket fan, you must care the memories at Leads. A rejuvenated side under Sourav Ganguly beat England two decades back. And an unbeaten champion of current era Ben Stokes chased down to record one of the top moments of the decade. So both England and India have something special to call upon. Back to England vs India 3rd Test, it’s between to bounce back steadily for England and to maintain the belief for India.
Preview: India vs England 3rd Test, Headingley
If Dawid Malan makes playing XI, it’ll increase the number of left-hand batsmen in English side. So the inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin is just a matter of time. He will replace either Ishant Sharma or Ravindra Jadeja. As Ashwin can bat a little, it’ll be better to leave out Jadeja. So the four premier seamers can be in action.
In the preview of the first test, I mentioned Rahane’s role as a batsman. Every time he adds something to the total, it becomes a deciding factor. So, vulnerable against swings so far, he must look to extend his last innings. Cheteswar Pujara and Virat Kohli need a partnership now. Down the order Pant and Ashwin can bat.
As Sibley is out of the squad, Haseeb Hameed and Rory Burns are to open the innings for England. Both of them need a very strong mindset to get back to the rhythm after the horrible defeat. A young champion of white ball cricket has to face a bowling side which is just fantastic against left-hand architects. Hence Dawid Malan’s work at No. 3 is not going to be easy. With all the pressures upon his head, Joe Root has to score big.
Johnny Bairstow can change the game at Headingley and cricket fans all over the world are looking forward to it. Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali and Sam Curran, all big names, down the order still looking for runs. They are completely out of form. England badly need them to fire.
James Anderson lacks other end support
I don’t know whether James Anderson will play or not. It’s even more surprising to know who will play, if he doesn’t. The crisis in accuracy on the part of supporting quicks costs the last game. Therefore England must be looking to play Anderson in the third test. If Mark Wood is not fit, it’ll open a door for Shaqib Mahmood.
To Conclude
If the wicket looks a bit flatter in Leeds than those of the last two, a few batsmen will be hoping to get some runs. Still there must be enough vitality on the turf to help the pacers on early days and the spinners lately. Though there is a chance of a draw, we’ll love to witness a result-oriented game.
My XXII of India vs England 3rd Test
India: Rohit Sharma, K. L. Rahul, Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Ravichandran Ashwin, Md. Shami, Ishant Sharma, Md Siraj and Bumrah.
England: Rory Burns, Haseeb Hameed, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Johnny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Robinson, Shaqib Mahmood/Mark Wood and James Anderson.