England will face India in the third Test at Headingley starting from August 25. India won the Lord’s Test by 151 runs pushing England back in the series. India have a good record at Leeds, with their last defeat coming way back in 1967. Joe Root will be under tremendous pressure heading into the third Test. Despite his best efforts Root’s longevity with the bat was not enough to take England home at the Mecca of Cricket. India under Virat Kohli is all fired and charged up for the third Test with all the momentum behind them. More about the Preview in detail below.
England
England addressed their batting woes by roping in Dawid Malan for the third Test. He will bat in the top-order and lengthen this England batting line-up. Runs need to flow from the bat of Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow as well to take some pressure of Root’s shoulders. This Test series might very well dictate if the likes of Bairstow and Buttler will be retained for the Ashes or should the three Lions look forward.
Saqib Mahmood has been included in the 15-member squad as well. Unfortunately, Mark Wood has been ruled out with an injured shoulder. The absence of Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer continues to be a reason why India are ahead in the series in terms of key personnel.
India
India are confident of not only winning the next test at Headingley but the series as well. Virat Kohli’s men in many ways came from behind to force a win atLord’s. That win has really got the team going and has given them the belief to win from any situation.
The squad has players who can correct their mistake and Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara did just that. They batted time and took the Indian innings to a safe shire after they got into trouble early.
The performance of openers Rohit Sharma and K L Rahul has been the biggest plus for India in the batting department. Both have showed remarkable temperament and technique in testing conditions to give the team a solid start. Virat Kohli is due for a big score and his much-awaited ton.
Bowling-wise, they have enough options and the return of a fit Shardul Thakur gives them even more options. Ajinkya Rahane has confirmed that the Indian all-rounder is available for election in the Headingley Test. The four pacers and the spin twins, Ashwin and Jadeja completes the attack.
Head To Head: England vs India
Overall
- Total: 128
- India won: 30
- England won: 48
- Drawn: 50
In England
- Total: 64
- England won: 34
- India won: 8
- Drawn: 22
Pitch Report & Weather Conditions At Headingley
There is no rain expected for the third Test at Headingley which comes as good news after constant rain interruptions. The average temperature should be around 20 degrees celsius.
The pitch will provide consistency to the seamers in terms of seam swing and bounce. It is expected to get drier as the game progresses which brings spinners from both teams into play. Runs are in store for batters who are ready to bat time.
Team News
Thoughts on our squad for the third Test against India? 🤔
🏴 #ENGvIND 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/8w2U1EVRXw
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 18, 2021
Shardul Thakur is available for selection after returning completely fit from his hamstring injury. There are also reports of Suryakumar Yadav getting his maiden Test cap along with the return of Ravichandran Ashwin.
England added Dawid Malan in the squad guarantees his confirmed selection in the XI. Jos Buttler might miss the remaining Tests as per reports. Saqib Mahmood has also been added to the England squad.
Also Read: ENG vs IND 2021: What Happened When India Last Played A Test In Leeds?
Squads
India
Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Mayank Agarwal, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, KL Rahul, Wriddhiman Saha, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Prithvi Shaw, Suryakumar Yadav
England
Joe Root (captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Sam Curran, Haseeb Hameed, Dan Lawrence, Saqib Mahmood, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson
