ENG vs IND: Ashwin to play 3rd Test? Indian captain Virat Kohli gives an update

The Test series between England and India so far has been at its exciting best. After the disappointing end to the first Test match due to rain, the Virat Kohli-side displayed a gritty performance in the second Test at Lord’s to clinch a 151-run victory. In both the Test matches Indian skipper was spot on with his team selection. However, with the third Test match slated to be played tomorrow at Leeds, it remains to be seen what combination visitors will go ahead with.

Virat Kohli hints at India’s playing XI for the third Test at Leeds

When the first Test match between England and India started, skipper Virat Kohli surprised everyone with a bold decision and left out R Ashwin, picking Ravindra Jadeja as the only spinner and Shardul Thakur as the fourth pacer in their playing XI for the first Test. The decision turned out to be a bright one as the pacers were on top of their game and claimed all 20 wickets.

The visitors again went with the four pacers in the second Test at Lord’s and every fast bowler played a part in India’s win. Now with less than 24 hours remaining for the start of the third Test match and the with conditions expected to be dry throughout the match, many pundits and fans feel that R Ashwin being a top-class spinner should play the next game as he can deliver in any condition.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli while talking about making any changes to the playing XI said that they don’t have any reason to change the winning combination as the bowling department delivered in the last match.

“We don’t have any reason to change the winning combination unless people have niggles which we haven’t encountered since we finished the last Test. A winning combination is something that you don’t want to disrupt especially when the team has achieved such an incredible win in the 2nd Test,” Virat Kohli said.

ENG vs IND: India’s predicted XI for the third Test match at Lord’s

The third Test match between England and India is set to be played at Headingley, Leeds starting tomorrow (Wednesday, August 25). Although the Virat Kohli-led side is unlikely to make a bulk of changes the team management can bring Shardul Thakur back in the team in place of Ishant Sharma to strengthen their batting line-up.

Here’s India’s predicted XI for the third Test:

Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane (vc), Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

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