In a bid to rejuvenate their lineup, India made four key changes for the third Test against England in Rajkot. Wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel and middle-order batsman Sarfaraz Khan received their first Test caps, stepping into roles previously held by Srikar Bharat and the absent Virat Kohli. With captain Rohit Sharma winning the toss and choosing to bat, the five-match series, currently tied at 1-1, promises further excitement.
Rohit Sharma expressed confidence in the decision to bat first, stating, “Rajkot is supposed to be a good pitch. It is a good toss for us to win to bat first and put runs on the board.” As the series unfolds, Sharma emphasized the need for focus to continue the team’s positive momentum.
With KL Rahul nursing a thigh strain, Sarfaraz Khan, known for his prolific domestic form, earned his spot in the middle order. Dhruv Jurel, chosen for his attacking batting style, took over wicketkeeping duties from Srikar Bharat.
On the bowling front, India saw the return of paceman Mohammed Siraj and spin all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, with Mukesh Kumar and Axar Patel making way. The changes reflect the team’s strategy to adapt and strengthen its position in the ongoing series.
England made a single change to their side, bringing in fast bowler Mark Wood in place of spinner Shoaib Bashir for captain Ben Stokes’s 100th test match. Stokes, reflecting on the team’s performance, mentioned the positive impact of a short break in Abu Dhabi, stating, “It has been a nice break to recharge.”
As the teams line up for the third Test, the spotlight is on the new faces in the Indian squad and the potential impact they may have on the series outcome.
Teams:
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (captain), Ben Foakes (wicketkeeper), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood, James Anderson
India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wicketkeeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
