ENG vs IND: Focus on Ashwin as confident India eyeing unassailable 2-0 lead in test series against England at Headingley

Xtra Time Web Desk: A supremely confident India will look to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the test series as they take on  depleted England in the third test starting at Headingley from Wednesday, August 25. It is very unlikely the Indian team management will tinker with the winning combination except for one spot. With conditions expected to be cold and favourable for the pacers at Headingley, India are expected to retain the four-prong pace attack, once again leaving the team management with the dilemma of picking Ravichandran Ashwin or Ravindra Jadeja.

One thing that can go against the left arm spinner is his inability to pick any wicket so far in the series and looking less effective against the England batsmen in first two tests. But the all rounder from Sourashtra has earned the confidence of the team management with his batting abilities.

There is unlikely going to be any change in the batting order with Rohit and Rahul opening followed by Pujara, Kohli, Rahane and Pant.The form of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane had also been a cause of concern for India but that has been put to rest after the experienced duo batted for almost 50 overs on day four of the Lord’s Test and were responsible for taking the game to the final day before the Indian pacers scripted a famous win.

Shardul Thakur is fully fit but it is unlikely that Kohli will make any changes in the pace attack which won India the game on day five at Lord’s.

India last played at Headingley in 2002 when they registered a famous win by an innings and 46 runs. None of the current players have the experience of playing on this ground and it will be interesting to see how they adapt to the challenge.

England, on the other hand, will be hoping their batting woes will subside with the inclusion of white-ball specialist Dawid Malan. Malan last played a Test three years ago but is expected to deliver considering his rich first-class experience.

The southpaw will bat at number three, moving Haseeb Hameed up the order to open alongside Rory Burns. England batsmen have to find a way to score and help skipper Joe Root, who has made of the bulk of the team’s runs so far.

Mark Wood, who troubled the Indian batsmen with his extra pace, is injured and that puts Saqib Mahmood in good position to make his Test debut on Wednesday.

Ahead of the game, Root confirmed that barring Wood, the team is not facing any fitness issues with lead pacer James Anderson also in good shape.

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By: XtraTime
Title: ENG vs IND: Focus on Ashwin as confident India eyeing unassailable 2-0 lead in test series against England at Headingley
Sourced From: xtratime.in/eng-vs-ind-focus-on-ashwin-as-confident-india-eyeing-unassailable-2-0-lead-in-test-series-against-england-at-headingley/
Published Date: Tue, 24 Aug 2021 08:55:35 +0000

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