Pataudi Trophy 2021, 3rd Test preview: India looks to carry winning momentum, England desperate to bounce back

India and England are all set to face off in the third Test for the Pataudi Trophy in Leeds from Wednesday. While India looks to extend its lead to 2-0, England would be desperate to bounce back.

Ayush Gupta

Leeds, First Published Aug 24, 2021, 3:36 PM IST

The 2021 Pataudi Trophy enters its third phase, as India and England clash in the third Test at Headingley in Leeds from Wednesday. India continues to have a marginal advantage, leading the series 1-0 after two Tests, winning the second Test at Lord's.

However, England would be desperate to bounce back and level terms to keep the competition alive. Nonetheless, it would be an arduous task for the English side as we present this test's preview.

Pataudi Trophy 2021, 3rd Test preview: India looks to carry winning momentum, England desperate to bounce back-ayh

Team composition and combination
India continues to possess a batting-heavy side, with 15 batters compared to ten bowlers. Meanwhile, it has been bolstered by the addition of Prithvi Shaw and Suryakumar Yadav. Nevertheless, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, KL Rahul, and pacer Jasprit Bumrah would be watched out for. However, it remains to be seen whether veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin gets a chance.

For England, it too possesses a batting-heavy side. However, barring skipper Joe Root, none of the other batsmen has made a substantial impact. Furthermore, it would be interesting to see if Dawid Malan gets a chance for being in form. While it lacks proper bowlers, besides seamers James Anderson and Saqib Mahmood, many would depend on Moeen Ali, Sam Curran and Ollie Robinson.

Pataudi Trophy 2021, 3rd Test preview: India looks to carry winning momentum, England desperate to bounce back-ayh

Injury concerns
India hardly has any injury concerns, while the return of pacer Shardul Thakur has bolstered it. In the meantime, England has suffered a setback, with pacer Mark Wood suffering a shoulder injury.

Head-to-head
As for the head-on clashes between the two, England leads with 48 wins of the 128 matches, while India has won 30. In England, of the 64 Tests, England has won 34, while India has won just eight. As for Headingley, it has hosted seven Tests between the two, with England winning five and India winning just a couple.

Pataudi Trophy 2021, 3rd Test preview: India looks to carry winning momentum, England desperate to bounce back-ayh

Weather and pitch report
The weather in Leeds would be mostly cloudy, with very minimal chances of rain and an expected temperature between 18 to 22 degrees. As for the pitch, it is once again expected to be on the greener side, with the side winning the toss looking to bat first.

Probable XI
India: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja/R Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
England: Rory Burns, Haseeb Hameed, Dawid Malan, Joe Root (c), Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (wk), Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Ollie Robinson, Saqib Mahmood and James Anderson.

Pataudi Trophy 2021, 3rd Test preview: India looks to carry winning momentum, England desperate to bounce back-ayh

Fantasy XI
Batsmen: Rohit, Root (c), Rahul- Rohit is expected to give the perfect start with Rahul, while Root can come in at number three and stabilise the innings. Also, Root's reliable form makes him the skipper.
Wicketkeepers: Bairstow, Pant- While Bairstow can play a decent innings, Pant is undoubtedly a no-brainer and can change the course of the game with one good innings.
All-rounder: Jadeja- Although Ashwin seems to be in line to play the Test, Jadeja happens to be a better option with the bat, while spin is not making much of an impact in the series.
Bowlers: Anderson, Shami, Bumrah (vc), Siraj, Robinson- Anderson, Shami, Siraj and Robinson happen to be in decent form with their seam bowling and would once again give a tough time to the batsmen. Meanwhile, Bumrah is a must-have who is sure to dominate with his pace and will be the x-factor in this bowling line-up.

Match details
Date and day: August 15-30, 2021 (Wednesday-Sunday)
Venue: Headingley, Leeds
Time: 3.30 PM (IST)
Where to watch (TV): Sony Ten, Sony Six, Sony Ten 3 and Sony Ten 4 (Also available in HD, along with regional languages)
Where to watch (Online): Sony LIV

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Last Updated Aug 24, 2021, 3:36 PM IST