As the battle intensifies between India and England in the ongoing Test series, all eyes are now on the crucial third Test set to take place at the Saurashtra Cricket Stadium in Rajkot. With the series currently tied at 1-1, both teams are gearing up for what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter, with the stakes higher than ever.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a 17-member squad for the remaining three Test matches against England, with significant changes expected in the playing 11 for the upcoming fixture in Rajkot. Notably, Shreyas Iyer will miss the last three matches of the series, while Virat Kohli continues to be absent due to personal reasons.
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IND vs ENG Series So Far
The India vs England series has been a rollercoaster ride for both teams and fans alike. England clinched victory in a nail-biting first Test, triumphing by 28 runs in a fiercely contested encounter. However, India bounced back emphatically in the second Test, registering a commanding 106-run win to level the series. With the stakes raised for the upcoming matches, anticipation is rife as to which team will seize the initiative and assert dominance.
Team News and Squad Changes
Ahead of the third Test, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a 17-member squad for the remaining matches against England. Notable exclusions from the squad include Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli, the latter due to personal reasons. Shreyas Iyer’s absence presents an opportunity for a lineup reshuffle, while KL Rahul’s potential return from injury adds intrigue to the team selection.
Also Read: 3 Reasons Why Cheteshwar Pujara Deserves an Immediate Recall to the Indian Test Team
Probable Playing XI of Team India
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Shubman Gill
- Sarfaraz Khan
- Rajat Patidar / KL Rahul
- Axar Patel / Ravindra Jadeja
- Dhruv Jurel (wk)
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Kuldeep Yadav / Washington Sundar
- Jasprit Bumrah (vc)
- Mohammed Siraj
Key Considerations for the Third Test
- Shubman Gill’s century in the second innings of the Vizag Test has solidifies his position at the top of the order. He scored 104 runs in 147 balls with 11 fours and two sixes to secure his place back in the playing Xi. He will be looking to carry on with the momentum in Rajkot test.
- With Virat Kohli missing the remainder of the series due to personal reasons, Sarfaraz Khan might play at his place in the Indian squad. Sarfaraz, who has been impressive in domestic circuit might get in the playing XI for Rajkot test.
- KL Rahul, who missed the second test match due to an injury. Rahul was ruled out of the second test and Rajat Patidar replaced him. KL Rahul’s inclusion in playing XI is still subjected to his fitness. Patidar made his debut in the second test, but managed scores of 32 and 9 in two innings.
- With Ravindra Jadeja back in the Indian playing XI, team management might prefer Axar Patel over Kuldeep Yadav in the Indian playing XI. Axar Patel had a decent show in the first two tests with the bat, but failed to make an impact with the ball.
- Dhruv Jurel is poised to replace KS Bharat behind the stumps, adding depth to the wicketkeeping department. Mohammed Siraj’s return adds potency to the pace attack, complementing the spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah.
As India prepares to square off against England in the third Test, the predicted playing 11 reflects a blend of experience and potential, tailored to meet the challenges posed by the opposition. With crucial changes anticipated, the stage is set for a captivating contest as both teams vie for supremacy and strive to gain the upper hand in the series. As the cricketing world awaits the action to unfold in Rajkot, anticipation reaches fever pitch, setting the stage for an enthralling battle between bat and ball.
