England and India will take on each other in the third Test match at Trent Bridge. The hosts are 2-0 up in the five-match series and have put their one hand on the series. Meanwhile, it is high time for the Indian team to pull up their socks.
India’s batting woes have been perennial in the recent past. Thus, the tourists need to find answers to their Achilles Heel, before it gets too late in the series. In fact, a drawn series from this stage will be a good comeback for the visitors. However, there is no denying the fact that it is going to be a bumpy ride for the Indian team.
Virat Kohli has been the lone warrior in the batting line-up. Kohli has scored 526 runs in the last five Test matches whereas the other top five batsmen have managed 505 runs. Thus, the numbers tell us why India has been a one-man army.
On the other hand, India’s bowling has done a good job. They had scalped all the twenty wickets in the last seven Test matches (excluding Lord’s Test match). However, the bowlers haven’t received enough runs from the batting unit.
Meanwhile, England has a good selection headache. Ben Stokes was able to join the squad after been found not guilty in the Affray charge case. Thus, it would be interesting to note England’s playing XI. Will they stick with the same playing XI as the Lord’s Test or will they bring in Stokes in place of Adil Rashid?
James Anderson has been the chief destroyer of the Indian batting line-up. Thus, Indian batsmen need to come up with better plans to counter England’s pack leader.
India was competitive in the first Test match whereas they collapsed like a house of cards at the Mecca of cricket. A loss of an innings and 159 runs can drop some shoulders in the dressing room. Thus, Virat Kohli needs to make sure that he is uplifting the spirits in the camp.
It has been a sad story as far as Indian opening pair is concerned. Murali Vijay bagged a pair in the second Test match and he has looked out of sorts in the England conditions. However, KL Rahul who has shown good promise has also failed to hit the ground running.
India’s batting needs to tick the right boxes if they are to make a comeback in the series. The batsmen have let the team down and they need to execute their plans better. The Indian batters have done the basics wrong and thus they have also paid the price.
It is a different game altogether in the Test cricket and it is palpable that Indian cricket has lacked the preparation. They have found it difficult to get going in England and they are not able to gauge the conditions. The tourists played only one warm-up match before the Test series and have looked out of sorts.
In fact, England top and middle order have also struggled to get going. Alastair Cook and Keaton Jennings have failed to provide a solid platform and they would aim to provide a better performance.
Meanwhile, Chris Woakes has been the star of the show for England. The host’s all-rounder had scored a fine unbeaten 137 to take the game away from the visitors. Furthermore, Woakes had also scalped four wickets in the second Test match at Lord’s. Jonny Bairstow is also in good form for the home side as he scored a fine 93.
On the other hand, India might give Rishabh Pant his maiden Test cap. Pant was seen practising and he is in the reckoning to make his Test match debut. Pant has impressed while playing for the India A side and would like to make most of his chance if he is presented with the opportunity.
Jasprit Bumrah has also recovered from his thumb injury and the talisman is likely to break into the playing XI. Thus, India will receive a shot in the arm with the services of the fast bowler.
Meanwhile, England will look to continue their impetus. They have the momentum on their side and would like to give a finishing touch in the third Test match.
Date and Time: 18 September 2018, 3:30 PM IST.
Venue: Trent Bridge, Nottingham.
India Predicted XI: Murali Vijay, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah.
England Predicted XI: Alastair Cook, Keaton Jennings, Joe Root (c), Ollie Pope, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Chris Woakes, Sam Curran, Stuart Broad, James Anderson.
Weather Conditions: Trent Bridge will be covered with clouds but they are not going to be threatening like Lord’s. However, there is rain forecast for the day 2 of the Test match.
Pitch Conditions: Nottingham generally provides assistance for the fast bowlers. In fact, it is the favourite hunting ground for James Anderson.
Stats:
Murali Vijay has scored 3933 runs in the Test format. The Indian opener who is struggling to find his form is 67 runs away from the 4000 runs feat.
Indian deputy Ajinkya Rahane has scored 2941 runs in the Test format. Thus, the right-hander is 59 runs shy of the 3000 runs mark.
Indian skipper Virat Kohli has scored 5794 runs in the red ball version. Thus, the talisman is 206 short of completing 8000 Test runs.
Ishant Sharma has claimed 245 wickets thus far in his career. Therefore, the addition of five more wickets will help Ishant get to 250 wickets.
Stuart Broad has scored 2988 runs in the longest format. Thus, the lanky batsman is 12 runs away from 3000-run mark.
