England Announces XI for Third Test, with One Change
On Wednesday, 14th February, England revealed their playing XI for the third Test against India in Rajkot. The team features one change from the side that played the previous Test in Visakhapatnam.
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Fast bowler Mark Wood has been brought in to replace off-spinner Shoaib Bashir. This marks the first time in the series that England will field two specialist fast bowlers.
Wood was part of the victorious England side in the first Test in Hyderabad, where they edged out India by 28 runs. Despite the team’s success, Wood failed to claim any wickets in both innings.
Jimmy Anderson, who is nearing the 700-wicket milestone, replaced Wood in the second Test at Visakhapatnam, where he claimed five wickets (3/47 & 2/29).
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Bashir, who made his debut in the Vizag Test, managed to claim four wickets, including that of Rohit Sharma, his first international wicket. His absence will place the spin-bowling responsibilities primarily on Rehan Ahmed and Tom Hartley, with support from Joe Root.
Jack Leach has been ruled out for the remainder of the series due to a knee injury.
England’s captain, Ben Stokes, is set to play his 100th Test, becoming the 16th England player to reach this milestone.
England’s Playing XI:
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Jonny Bairstow
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Ben Foakes (wk)
- Rehan Ahmed
- Tom Hartley
- Mark Wood
- James Anderson