The visiting English team suffered a setback in the second match of the series in Visakhapatnam but they are still very much in the contest. The series is still up for grabs and the visitors can make a strong comeback in the third Test at Rajkot. In this article, we will take a look at the probable English playing XI for the next match.
Top Order
The top order has done the job for England so far in this series. Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope have been consistent in the series with multiple 50-plus scores. This is a positive sign for England as two youngsters with very little experience of playing in Indian conditions are doing their job. The other opener Ben Duckett has not scored big runs in the first couple of Test matches but has had good starts which reflects that he is in good touch and a major performance is not too far away.
Middle Order
The form of Joe Root is a big worry for England as the former skipper has not been able to live up to the expectations. However, Root has a brilliant track record in India and the English veteran must take inspiration from that. Jonny Bairstow, skipper Ben Stokes, and Ben Foakes will be forming the rest of the middle order for England. Stokes has looked impressive in the series but a century is due. The other two names will have to step up their game as the Indian bowling unit will pose a grave threat.
Bowling Unit
Jack Leach has been ruled out of the series because of an injury and England will miss the experienced spinner but the young trio of Tom Hartley, Rehan Ahmed, and Shoaib Bashir has impressed with their effort in the second Test. The expectations will rise higher in the next match as the barometer of pressure goes up. The lone fast-bowler for England will be the evergreen veteran James Anderson, who is also close to the 700-wicket mark.
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