The image of the pitch has gone viral on social media ahead of the third Test between India and England, which is set to start on Thursday, February 15 at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot. Michael Atherton, a former captain of England, discussed the surface and said that England made the right decision by including an additional seamer in their starting lineup.
In addition, former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan expressed his thoughts over the pitch, expressing his hope that it would resemble that of the opening two Tests. On the fourth and fifth days, he continued, spin will predominate and the surface will promote reverse swing.
I’m hoping the pitch is comparable to those in Hyderabad and Visag. There will also be some swings in reverse. The spinners will also be in control on the fourth and fifth days.
If such is the trend, viewers will have a pleasant time, and fans will find it entertaining,” Zaheer Khan stated on Jio Cinema.
Zaheer Khan continued his forward-looking remarks by discussing the selection dilemma facing India before the third Test. Notably, Axar Patel or Kuldeep Yadav will need to be benched in order to make room for the premier all-round player in light of Ravindra Jadeja’s return.
Once you’ve selected the team, that presents another challenge! Whether it’s going to be Kuldeep Yadav or Axar Patel, or you’re going to choose them all,” he continued.
For the third Test, England will have Mark Wood.
Axar Patel took two wickets in the match and amassed 72 runs in two innings, while Kuldeep claimed four wickets in the second Test. The odds may be stacked in favour of Axar Patel because the Indian batting order is inexperienced.
Ahead of the third Test, England released their playing lineup, making one alteration: Mark Wood, a fast bowler, will start in lieu of Shoaib Bashir. Given Rajkot’s past, high scores over the course of five days are anticipated in this five-match series, which is now knotted at one.
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