ENGLAND VS. INDIA: IND’S TOUR OF ENG 2021, 3rd TEST | MATCH PREDICTION AND FANTASY CRICKET TIPS
Hosts England take on India in the third Test of the 5-match series at the Headingley Stadium in Leeds, starting from Wednesday.
England collapsed in dramatic style on the final day of the second Test, allowing India a healthier lead than expected, before failing to bat out for the draw and being bowled out for 120. They find themselves 0-1 down, with 3 Tests left in the series, and will look to bounce back.
On the other hand, India came from behind on the final day to bowl out the hosts in just 51.5 overs, capping off one of their most special red-ball performances overseas. It was a complete team performance as all the batters and bowlers chipped in with useful contributions throughout the match. Expect more of the same from Virat and company here.
Team News
England
Underperforming batters Dom Sibley and Zak Crawley are dropped from the squad, leading to a test recall for Dawid Malan. Fast bowler Saqib Underperforming batters Dom Sibley and Zak Crawley are dropped from the squad, leading to a Test recall for Dawid Malan. Fast bowler Saqib Mahmood could make his Test debut in place of injured Mark Wood. Ollie Pope may come into the side, with Malan batting at No. 3 and Haseeb Hameed moving up the order to open the innings.
India
The playing XI is expected to remain the same for the third Test. The only real question is whether Ravichandran Ashwin will come into the team, having not featured in the first two matches.
Match Details
- Match: England vs. India, 3rd Test
- Venue: Headingley, Leeds
- Date & Time: Aug. 25, 2021, at 3:30 PM IST/11 AM Local
Probable Playing XI
England
Rory Burns, Haseeb Hameed, Dawid Malan, Joe Root (C), Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (WK), Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Ollie Robinson, Craig Overton, James Anderson
India
Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Chesteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
Weather Report
Leeds is expected to have clear and dry conditions on all days of the match, with very few rain interruptions. The temperature will be around 20 degrees during the game.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Headingley has been a competitive Test wicket in recent years, with just 1 draw in the last 10 Tests played here. The surface will allow for good stroke play, with seam movement keeping the batsmen on their toes. The dry surface will bring in the spinners from both sides as the match goes into days 4 and 5. The average first-innings score in the last five Tests at this venue has been 251 runs.
Toss
With good batting conditions expected on the first three days, the captain winning the toss will look to bat first. Batting last on the surface can be a tough task here. Any total above 300 runs in the first innings will be a good total on this track.
Top Fantasy Picks
- Wicketkeeper
Rishabh Pant has been excellent behind the stumps in the series, taking 10 catches in the two Tests. He has scored 84 runs with the bat in three innings at an average of 28. Expect a quick-fire knock from him down the order in this Test.
- Batters
Joe Root has been by far the best batter in this series from either side. His technique makes it very difficult for the bowlers to contain and trouble him. He has scored 386 runs in four innings at an average of 128.66 in the series so far.
KL Rahul came back to Test cricket after three years in remarkable style. He has been brilliant at the top of the order and has looked very assured in both defense and attack. He has scored 244 runs in two Tests, including a match-winning innings of 129 in the previous Test.
- All-Rounder
Moeen Ali is expected to play a crucial role in this match, with the pitch here being more suitable for the spinners than the other English surfaces. He has a knack for picking wickets and has a good bowling record against India. He scored 40 runs and took 3 wickets in the last Test.
- Bowlers
James Anderson is now the third-highest wicket taker in Test history. He has been superb for England in the first two games of the ongoing series, picking up 9 wickets at an average of 20.11. He has taken 39 wickets in 10 Tests at this venue, with best figures of 5/16.
Mohammed Siraj has been impressive since making his debut at the iconic MCG. He has taken 27 wickets in seven Tests at an average of 26.29. He has picked up 11 wickets in the series, including a match-winning spell of 8/126 at the Lord’s in the last game.
Howzat Dream Team
- Wicketkeepers: R Pant, J Bairstow
- Batters: J Root, R Sharma, V Kohli, KL Rahul
- All-rounders: M Ali
- Bowlers: J Anderson, J Bumrah, M Siraj, M Shami
- Captain: R Sharma/V Kohli
- Vice Captain: J Root/M Ali
NOTE: The Howzat dream team above is just a suggestion. You can make your fantasy 11 and play fantasy cricket matches. Also, don’t forget to make any necessary changes to your team once the actual playing 11 is announced by each team (30 minutes before the start of the match) as some players you have selected might not be part of the team suggested.
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