As the Test series moves into its crucial third match on February 15, 2024, at Rajkot, both teams are gearing up for a pivotal encounter. After levelling the series 1-1, India is looking to take the lead, buoyed by their recent win.
Yet, the team faces challenges with Virat Kohli missing the entire series and KL Rahul ruled out for the third Test. He will be replaced by Devdutt Padikkal. Sarfaraz Khan is in line to make his Test debut. England, on the other hand, will miss Jack Leach for the rest of the series, adding to their challenge of adapting to the subcontinent conditions.
India's batting lineup, despite missing key players, has depth and talent. Players like Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill are ready to contribute. The bowling attack, led by Ravichandran Ashwin, will look to exploit the Rajkot pitch, which is expected to offer turn and bounce as the match progresses. England looks to bounce back after the loss in the second Test. The English side will rely on their experienced players and newcomers who have shown resilience in challenging conditions.
This match is a test of skill and strategy as both teams vie for a crucial advantage in the series. With the pitch at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium expected to play a significant role, the team that adapts better to the conditions will win. The series so far has been very competitive, and the third Test promises to add another exciting chapter to this riveting contest.
Probable Playing XIs
India: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashavi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Sarfaraz Khan, Rajat Patidar, KS Bharat/ Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (C), Ben Foakes, Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Shoaib Bashir, James Anderson.
Key Players
Yashasvi Jaiswal: He has been India's best batter in this series, with 321 runs to his name, including a fifty and a double ton. Jaiswal has handled all the bowlers well, and he is expected to shine in this match again.
Zak Crawley: The England opener has shown fine batting form in this series, with two fifties to his name. Crawley has shown solid technique and temperament to handle the world-class Indian bowling attack. His role will be crucial in this match again.
Match Prediction:
This match presents an intrigue, with both teams having shown the ability to dominate. Playing at home, India holds a slight edge due to their familiarity with the conditions and a strong spin attack.
However, England's adaptability and robust batting lineup cannot be underestimated. This match promises to be a closely contested affair, likely hinging on key sessions. If the Indian spinners exploit the conditions effectively, India might have the upper hand. Yet, England's determination and recent performances suggest they are more than capable of staging an upset.