England produced an impressive performance in the first Test of their series in India, as Ollie Pope’s 196 led them to victory.
The hosts bounced back with a 106-run victory in the second game, leaving the series delicately balanced at 1-1 going into the third match in Rajkot, which starts in the early hours of Thursday.
- James Anderson over 3.5 match wickets
- Joe Root over 71.5 match runs
- Ravindra Jadeja top first innings run scorer
Anderson To Impress
England have leaned heavily on their spin bowlers throughout the two games of this series, but with Jack Leach missing through injury they may have to rely on their pace attack to pick up the slack.
Veteran James Anderson was back to near his best in the second test, taking five wickets in that match, and should be able to take four or more in this one.
An extended break between games should be enough to give the 41-year-old time to recuperate for this clash and Jasprit Bumrah has shown that there is still plenty in these Indian pitches for pace bowlers who can move the ball.
Back Anderson to take at least four wickets in a game in which England’s pace attack may well be crucial to their chances.
JAMES ANDERSON OVER 3.5 MATCH WICKETS
Root Can Announce Arrival
England’s batting lineup has held up well in tough conditions, making 420 in the second innings of the first test and posting two decent totals in their second game.
Two players that have disappointed somewhat however have been the veterans Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root.
The latter has scored totals of 29, 2, 16 and 5 but is such a quality player that he is never far from a big innings and should be able to rack up the runs in this test.
The 33-year-old has carried this side throughout the years and, with his test average sitting at 49.64, can deliver for his nation once again.
A top player of spin, Root is suited to Indian conditions and is taken to go over the line of 71.5 match runs in this third game.
Jadeja To Star On Return
India were dealt a major blow when it was announced that their talisman Virat Kohli will miss the remainder of the series through injury.
However, they can rely on the return of Ravindra Jadeja, who missed the second game with a hamstring issue.
The all-rounder top-scored for India in the first innings of the first test with a total of 87 and could impress again on his return.
Jadeja is likely to come back into the top six and has a good record against England, recording one hundred as well as six half-centuries.
With Kohli absent, the 35-year-old could step up.
RAVINDRA JADEJA TOP FIRST INNINGS RUN SCORER
