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India vs England Third Test Tips - Run-feast likely on a slow turner
- India vs England Third Test predictions to be played at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot from Thursday, February 15
- India have taken the first innings lead in 9 of their last 10 home Tests
- England have conceded the first innings lead in both Tests of this series
Can England celebrate captain Ben Stokes' 100th Test with a win? (Getty Images)
India vs England Third Test
After a refreshing gap, India and England resume their hostilities in the five-match series with the third Test starting this week. This match will be played at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot from Thursday, February 15. The two teams are tied 1-1 in the series after the first two matches.
- India vs England Third Test
- Head to Head
- India Form
- India Team News
- England Form
- England Team News
India came back well to win the second Test, but further injuries and absences mean their playing XI looks inexperienced. On a flat track, it is England’s Bazball that is likely to have an advantage. The odds market still heavily favours India, so if you are up for some risks back England on a win. The prime pick though is on India taking the first innings lead.
- India have taken the first innings lead in 9 of their last 10 home matches (Tests)
- England have conceded the first innings lead in 5 of their last 6 matches (Tests)
- England conceded the first innings lead in 2 matches of this series (Tests)
- Ben Stokes scored 128 & 29* in the only match he played at this venue (Tests)
Head to Head
India and England have played each other in 133 Tests so far with India winning 32, England winning 51 and the remaining 50 ending in a draw.
When playing in India, the record is 23-15 in favour of India in 66 matches, with the remaining 28 matches ending in a draw. The first Test saw England win by 28 runs but India bounced back to win the second Test by 106 runs.
India Form
India were pushed hard in both the Tests, and would have taken some confidence from winning the second Test. Their series batting has been led by the exciting young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.
The southpaw has scored 321 runs so far with a hundred and fifty to his name. The other batters have struggled for impact including their captain Rohit Sharma whose best score across four innings is 39.
Bowling duties were ably led by Jasprit Bumrah who has 15 wickets to his name. Ashwin has nine to his name but has struggled for consistency.
India Team News
Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer are ruled out of the series while KL Rahul is also out of this Test. India are likely to replace Iyer, Srikar Bharat, and Mukesh Kumar from the second Test with Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel and Ravindra Jadeja. It could be interesting to see if they play Mohammed Siraj in place of Axar Patel or lengthen their batting.
England Form
England continued to stay true to their Bazball tactics and hit their way towards entertainment. For some time in the second match, it looked like they may threaten India’s dominance, but it wasn’t to be.
Take nothing away from their game though, which has been led by Ollie Pope (243 runs) and Zak Crawley (200) with the bat. There would be a clamour to see a bit more from Joe Root, who had just 52 runs to his name so far.
With the ball, Tom Hartley playing his first Test series is leading their charts with 14 wickets. Rehan Ahmed’s eight, are the next although he has been expensive.
England Team News
England added Mark Wood to the playing XI of the second Test and is likely to replace spinner Shoaib Bashir.
India vs England Third Test FAQs
Where can I watch the India vs England Third Test live stream?
Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the India vs England Third Test live stream.
What time does India vs England Third Test start?
This India vs England Third Test will be played at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot from Thursday, February 15 starting at 9:30am IST.
Verdict
I am stopping short of backing England on the win stakes, although India’s inexperienced line-up tempts me to put some money on an away win. It is the first innings lead that is still a lucrative pick, as England are expected to continue being a second-innings team.
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