The crucial match-up between Team India and England is all set to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium, starting this Thursday. The Men in Blue have taken a 2-1 lead after showcasing a presiding performance in the D/N encounter.
Virat Kohli and Co. are just one step away to qualify for the prestigious ICC Test World Championship Final, which is scheduled to be held at Lords from the 18th of June, this year. Even a settlement between the two sides will work in the favor of the Indians but they will be hoping they wrap it up with a commanding 3-1 victory.
England on the other side have no chance of qualifying for the final, which is set to be held at their home. But they are in a position to spoil India’s party. The visitors, if they find a way to bounce back and get on top of India, could see Team India being knocked out of the contention for the Grand final. But, what this would mean is that their arch-rivals- Australia will play the much-anticipated finals in their very own backyard. Both scenarios will hurt the Englishmen, which one more though?
The previous Test saw the visitors being completely outplayed by the Indians and once again the track is not expected to change much. Said that the Englishmen would have definitely learned from their mistakes and they would be raring to go all out with their spinners. It is a win that could hurt them in the long run, but they could manage to draw the series, which will restore some pride for the visitors.
Can Virat Kohli and his men register their third win in a row? Or will England shatter the hopes of millions?
Match Toss Time: 09:00 Local (03:30 GMT)
Match Start Time: 09:30 Local (04:00 GMT)
Match Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Weather Report
The conditions are expected to be well in favor of the sport. Though the players will have to sweat it out, given that the temperatures are forecasted to be soaring in the 37-32 degree Celsius range. The low humidity percentage will act as a consolation to the players.
Pitch
Despite the ongoing controversies, the pitch is once again expected to be a rank turner according to the latest reports. The toss could once again play a crucial role and it would be a no-brainer for the team winning the toss to bat first. Although the pitch is not a 150-200 strip and we could be seeing somewhere around 270-300 mark by the team batting first this time around. Anything more than 150, would be a daunting task for the chasing side.
Team News
Team India will be without the services of their spearhead- Jasprit Bumrah as the 27-year old is getting into the preparations for his marriage. He is expected to be replaced by the pace sensation- Mohammad Siraj. While the rest of the team looks to be unchanged.
England on the other hand will be kicking themselves for going in with four pacers on a rank turner and this time around they will be sure to have their spin attack in full force. As per the latest reports, it is believed that Stuart Board will be rested for the final clash and is expected to be replaced by the 23-year old off-break bowler- Dom Bess. No other changes are expected in the English line-up.
Probable Playing Xl
India (IND): Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wk), Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Mohammad Siraj
England (ENG): Dominic Sibley, Zak Crawley, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root (c), Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Ben Foakes (wk), Jofra Archer, Jack Leach, Dom Bess, James Anderson
IND vs ENG Fantasy Team
Ben Foakes, Rishabh Pant, Rohit Sharma, Zak Crawley, Shubman Gill, Axar Patel, Joe Root, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Siraj, Ishant Sharma, Jack Leach
Captain Picks: Rohit Sharma (IND), Joe Root (ENG)
Vice-captain Picks: Ravichandran Ashwin (IND), Zak Crawley (ENG)
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