England are a proud cricketing nation and don’t like losing test matches especially when playing at home. Joe Root and his team had a good chance to win the second test on the fifth and final day but an embarrassing batting collapse and a fighting performance by India resulted in India winning the second test.
India are now 1-0 up in the five match test series and England know that they have to win the third test to give themselves a chance at winning the series or going for a draw.
The third test will take place from Aug 25-29 and England are under the pump.
1 |
 |
250 Free Spins (T&C apply. 18+)No Strings Welcome OfferWelcome offer is available to new, first time BetOnline customers only. |
 |
|
|
2 |
 |
50% up to $250 (T&C apply. 18+) |
 |
|
Some of England’s test players called for the selectors to drop non-performing players like Dom Sibley and Zak Crawley and the selectors have obliged. Dawid Malan who has been out of the test side for 36 months has been called up and is likely to play the third test and bat at number 3 at his home ground Leed’s.
England are also waiting to see if Mark Wood will be fit for the third test. If Wood does not clear his fitness test, they are likely to give Saqib Mahmood an opportunity. Haseeb Hameed is expected to open the batting with Rory Burns.
Will these changes make England’s playing XI stronger or weaker? We don’t think its going to have much of an impact as England need their experienced players to deliver. Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow have not had much of an impact this series and its time they put their hand up and help Joe Root out.
The tables have turned and India now go into the third test as betting favorites with Bwin odds of 6/5 while England are slight underdogs with odds of 13/8. We expect a result in this game as the weather looks pretty good for all five days with little to no chance of rain. The odds for this game ending in a draw is currently at 3/1.
India will contemplate making two changes to their squad. There have been calls for Ravindra Jadeja to be replaced with Ravichandran Ashwin but we don’t think this will happen as R Jadeja made a big difference in the first test. If Shardul Thakur is fit, then India might think of replacing Ishant Sharma as S Thakur adds more depth to the batting.
We think India will win the third test!
About The Author
