With India going into the 3rd test match with a 1-0 lead in the 5-match series, a victory in the 3rd game will seal the deal for them. However, the Englishmen too will be looking to make an astounding comeback. From Captain Joe Root to retired veterans like Michael Atherton, everyone has mentioned that the English team has played below par. Now, all eyes are set on how the English team will overcome an injury crisis and poor form to demolish the ever-dominant Indian lineup. Here’s a generic preview of the game: –
Injury updates of the squads: –
England: –
England has announced a fresh squad for the 3rd test match. The latest development involves them adding, the experienced Dawid Malan to boast their batting lineup. The squad still doesn’t feature ace all-rounder Ben Stokes who is unavailable due to mental stress. Also, pacer Mark Wood is out due to a strained right shoulder. This definitely opens the doors for Saqib Mahmood and Craig Overton.
India: –
The most significant injury update from the Indian contingent is that Gabba hero, Shardul Thakur is fit and available for selection. Shardul was unavailable in the second test and his return adds to Virat Kohli’s problem of plenty. Mayank Agarwal too has recovered from the concussion blow and is available for selection. However, the squad doesn’t seem to require any changes.
Pitch Conditions and Weather: –
The weather mostly is expected to be cloudy. The shower prediction for every day is around 5% and rain playing a spoilsport is almost impossible. The weather is ideal for a good test match. The pitch at Leeds in recent times has offered something for the spinners. However, the spinners come into play only from the 4th and 5th days. We have previously seen a bit of turn-on offer for Nathan Lyon and Jack Leach during the Ashes. The rest of the days are pacer-friendly. And the cloud cover adds fuel to the pace fire. Swing is king at Leeds.
Playing XIs: –
England: –
England is bound to make a few changes. Dom Sibley has been sacked. So, Haseeb Hameed will move up the order, and experienced Dawid Malan will come in at number 3. In bowling, Sam Curran might be dropped to make way for Craig Overton. While injured Mark Wood will empty his slot for Saqib Mahmood.
Rory Burns, Haseeb Hameed, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Johnny Bairstow, Jos Butler, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran/Craig Overton, Saqib Mahmood, James Anderson, Ollie Robinson.
India: –
India is not expected to make any changes to the XI. However, Shardul can be brought in, to provide tail-ending assurance.
KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant Sharma/Shardul Thakur, Mohammad Shami, Mohammad Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah.