England vs India 2018: India's Predicted XI for the 3rd Test

India are still recovering from the ignominious defeat at the hands of England at Lord’s. No drug is strong enough to cure the deep wounds. The onslaught was such. But it is not the end of the world. Yes, India have an Everest to climb at Trent Bridge. But If any team can take the bull by the horns, it is this number 1 ranked Indian team.

Even a single false move can prove to be a landmine. And one move which cost us dearly in the Lord’s test was the fallible team combination. The team combination can make or break the chances of India’s renaissance in the series.

Here is a look at the probable 11 which India will go ahead with into the 3rd test.

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Openers:

KL Rahul

KL Rahul has been making the necessary amends in his technique

KL Rahul dragging the ball onto the stumps in the first innings of the first Test was probably the worst shot he had ever played in his career. But post that he has been making conspicuous efforts to confront the menacing outswingers.

This was clearly evident in the 2nd innings at Lord's before he was trapped by an inswinger. Still, the signs were propitious. So the benefit of doubt has to be given to Rahul at least for this Test.

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Ravichandran Ashwin

Ashwin has looked the second-most comfortable batsman after Kohli

Yes. This is a debatable promotion but Ashwin has earned it. Murali Vijay’s forgettable exploits with the bat have also helped his case. When the Indian batsmen were uncontrollably ‘edge-prone’, Ashwin was able to caress the ball to the fence with his potent cover drives. His compact game can provide the solidity India desperately need at the top.

Middle-order:

Cheteshwar Pujara

Temperamentally Pujara is suited for these conditions

When every team in the world is longing for a number 3 batsman who averages 50, India is an exception. Pujara was given the cold shoulder in the first Test. When India paid the price he was welcomed back to his dear no 3 spot in Lord’s. Though run-outs continue to haunt Pujara, he fended 87 balls in the second innings which is an achievement in itself considering the time other Indian batsmen spent at the crease.

Virat Kohli

Kohli is the backbone of this Indian line-up

The backbone of this Indian team, Virat Kohli, cast away his jinx in English conditions when he piled 200 runs in the first Test. Even when his lower back hurdled his natural game, he looked the most comfortable Indian batsman. And for the record, he has so far been winning the mini-war against Anderson with Anderson failing to nab his wicket even once.

Ajinkya Rahane

One would hope Rahane emulates his overseas performances

The ‘poke the ball outside off-stump’ syndrome appears to have caught Ajinkya Rahane this time around. He is poking at balls well outside the off-stump like a kid popping air bubbles. Sometimes he misses, other times he edges. Either way, it is not good for him. His enviable overseas record is the only factor which retains him in the side.

Lower-order:

Rishabh Pant

Pant has been in re hot form for India A

Rishabh Pant makes it into the side as a genuine batsman and takes the number 6 slot. Pant has been in stupendous form in both white and red ball cricket. His 3 half-centuries for Ind A, against England Lions and Windies A in England, testifies his adeptness in these conditions. The way he cuts loose with the bat can aid in putting the English bowlers off.

Wicket Keeper:

Dinesh Karthik

Karthik needs to improve his glove work

The Tamil Nadu lad has been unlucky. The Sam Curran ball which castled him in the first innings at Lord’s would’ve castled even the great Don. In the second innings, he walked into one of Broad’s periodic ‘unplayable’ spells. The inswinger he was greeted with right away was scorching hot to handle.

His 20 in the second innings of the first Test was promising. That he can thrive in these conditions was evident by his 82 in the practice match against England Lions. Walking out ahead of Hardik Pandya will also do his confidence wonders.

Hardik Pandya

Pandya needs to play dominate with either bat or ball

Even though he hasn’t given a match-defining performance, Hardik Pandya has chipped in on most occasions. But India expects a lot more from its prized all-rounder. Maybe he can invest faith in his natural attacking instinct for once and see how it rewards him since he doesn’t boast of the technique to defend and survive for long.

Bowlers:

Mohammed Shami

Shami has looked the most dangerous in the Indian pace attack

The only major threat to the English batsmen has been Mohammed Shami. He is getting the ball to curve both ways a fair bit on most occasions. The skiddy nature of his deliveries are torturing Joe Root. If reverse swing is on offer then Shami has the potential to rock the English batting line-up single-handedly.

Jasprit Bumrah

Bumrah would add spice to the Indian bowling unit

Kuldeep Yadav’s selection in the squad didn’t have any solid grounds. It is only fair that Jasprit Bumrah who bagged 14 wickets in the South Africa series fills in for him. Bumrah is still an unknown commodity in Test cricket and the English haven’t tasted him throughout the series. So getting in Bumrah in is a no-brainer.

Ishant Sharma

Ishant's effectiveness against left-handers should be utilized

Ishant Sharma has shown glimpses of brilliance. Just like Broad, he goes through spells of the highest grade. He is yet to exploit the bouncers as a capable weapon. Monotonous bowling is at times putting the batsmen at ease. His role will also be instrumental in dismantling the English openers Cook and Jennings, owing to his knack of troubling left-handers.