England vs India 2021: 3rd Test, Match Prediction – Who Will Win This Match?
Team India is currently leading the series 1-0.
Team India is going to lock horns with England in the third Test of the 5-Match series at Headingley from August 25.
England vs India – 3rd Test Match Preview
Team India have already taken a 1-0 lead in the series following their 151 runs victory over hosts in the second Test after the Nottingham Test ended in a draw. Even the Nottingham Test would have fallen in India’s favor, had rain not spoiled it.
India last won the Test match at Leeds back in 2002 when Rahul Dravid (148), Sachin Tendulkar (193), and skipper Sourav Ganguly (128) held their nerves and helped India to register an innings and 46 runs victory against England.
Also, not to forget the fact that team India haven’t won more than one Test in the last three tours – 2011, 2014 and 2018. Hence, it will be a big challenge for Virat Kohli and co. while heading into the Third Test.
England, on the other hand, need to come up with their perfect combination as they have dropped Zak Crawley and Dom Sibley on the back of their poor performances. Dawid Malan and Saqib Mahmood have been added to the squad while Mark Wood has been ruled out of this Test with a torn shoulder.
It is going to be one of the crucial matches of the series. While India will be looking to take an unassailable lead, England would be aiming to level the series.
Match Details
- Match: 3rd Test of the 5-Match Series
- Date: 25 August 2021 to 29 August 2021
- Time: 3:30 PM IST and 11:00 AM Local Time
- Venue: Leeds, Headingley
Pitch Report
The pitch at Headingley Cricket Ground will assist batters for the first three days while fast bowlers will come into the game as the match progresses. Both the teams will be looking to bowl first after winning the toss. With overcast conditions and plenty of grass on the surface, we expect the seamers to enjoy a great outing in the third Test. While the last couple of days will be ideal for spinners.
Predicted Playing XI
India’s Predicted Playing XI
Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
England’s Predicted Playing XI
Rory Burns, Haseeb Hameed, Dawid Malan, Joe Root (c), Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler (wk), Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Saqib Mahmood / Craig Overton, Ollie Edward Robinson, James Anderson
ENG vs IND – 3rd Test – Who Will Win This Match?
As Virat Kohli has already confirmed that they will go with the same combination in the Leeds Test until any injury concern comes out, we can expect the same XI for the Leeds Test.
England, however, are still looking for their best combination. After dropping Zak Crawley and Dom Sibley, Haseeb Hameed is expected to open the innings alongside Rory Burns while Malan will be adjusted at number 3.
However, this new combination might not be enough to defeat the Indian team who are in the red hot form. Lord’s victory must have boosted team India’s confidence and they will be surely looking to take an unassailable lead by winning this match as well. The chances of a draw are very minute as in this century, out of 18 Test matches played at this venue, only one match ended in a draw.
So, in the end India is expected to win the game and lead the series by 2-0.
