Picture Credit: Pankaj Nangia/ Sportzpics for BCCI
After a disappointing loss in the second Test against India at Lord’s, Team England will be charged up to stage a comeback in the series at Leeds. In a see-saw game that saw plenty of drama on the final day, eventually, it was the Indians who came out on top when they defeated England by 151 runs. England seemed favourites to win the second Test at the start of Day 5, having dismissed overnight batter Rishabh Pant and Ishant Sharma early.
However, a record partnership between Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah put the visitors on top. In reply, England batsmen couldn’t handle the fiery pace bowling from India and were bundled out for mere 120 runs inside two sessions. A couple of changes can be expected in England’s team for the third Test which is starting from Wednesday.
Here is England's probable Playing XI for the third Test:
Top-order: Rory Burns, Haseeb Hameed, Joe Root
England’s opening pair has been a disappointment so far for the side and with Dom Sibley already dropped, Haseeb Hameed is expected to open with Rory Burns in the third Test. Joe Root, on the other hand, has been a lone fighter for the home side. He has been in terrific form and will again have the responsibility of leading from the front.
Middle-order: Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (Wk), Dawid Malan, Moeen Ali
Jonny Bairstow has played few gritty knocks so far in the game but he has failed to score big. Bairstow will be accompanied by Jos Buttler, who played a fighting knock in the second innings of Lord’s Test. Dawid Malan is likely to be included in the middle-order and will add more depth to their batting. Moeen Ali is likely to hold his place in the third Test as well.
Bowlers: Sam Curran, James Anderson, Ollie Robinson, Sadiq Mahmood
Veteran James Anderson would once again be the leader of the attack. Mark Wood, who has been ruled out due to a shoulder injury, is likely to be replaced by Sadiq Mahmood. Sam Curran, Ollie Robinson are likely to keep their places in the playing XI.
The third Test at Headingly, Leeds is set to begin on August 26 at 3:30 pm (IST).