Cricket: India vs England
3rd Test Match, Ahmedabad
24th February 2021
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With the series poised at 1-1, the eyes of the cricketing world descend on Ahmedabad for the 3rd Test between India and England. The visitors were comprehensive victors in the opening game of the series, with Joe Root starring before India hit back in the second test – thanks to the heroics of Ravi Ashwin.
The narrative looks set, with India notoriously tough to beat in home conditions but England have shown resilience so far in the sub-Continent and they will be eager not to go down without a fight.
Team Previews
India
Following their incredible series win against Australia at the start of the year, India’s first test defeat to England has now been seen as a blip, as they returned to form in impressive style in Chennai.
Virat Kohli continues to the talisman for India, both with the bat in hand and as captain, whilst Ravi Ashwin was instrumental in the second test victory – registering his maiden test century and causing England all manner of problems with the ball.
Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant have provided a real spark in recent matches with the bat in hand whilst Rohit Sharma looks to be in the form of his life. In the bowling department, India are blessed with multiple spin and seam options. Jasprit Bumrah looks set to come back into the side whilst newcomer Axar Patel looks to have what it takes at Test level.
England
Despite being up against it for the majority of the second test match, England will still feel very much in the hunt in this series. Joe Root has a few selection quandaries, with Rory Burns and Dan Lawrence lacking the run-scoring prowess they would have hoped for at this stage in the series, whilst Ben Stokes will also be looking to play his way back into form.
Ben Foakes deputised expertly in the absence of Jos Buttler in the second test behind the stumps whilst spin options Dom Bess and Jack Leach will need to make the ball talk in Ahmedabad. James Anderson and Stuart Broad will battle it out in the seam department and taking 20 wickets in the match will be the priority for England.
India vs England 3rd Test Match – Best Bets
Virat Kohli to be Man of the Match @ 6.00
There were signs Virat Kolhi was edging back into his best form in the second test at Chennai and he has a habit of being able to grind his opponents into the dirt, something he will be keen to do here.
Ravi Ashwin to be India’s Top 1st Innings Bowler @ 1.75
Ravi Ashwin continues to be one of the world’s premiere spinners and in home conditions, few bowlers are better. England’s batsmen have struggled with Ashwin all series and they could be in for another tough game again here.
Ben Stokes to be England’s Top 1st Innings Batsman @ 4.00
Durham superstar Ben Stokes struggled in the second test with the bat in hand but has a habit of turning it on when his country needs him most and he should relish the conditions in Ahmedabad.
Match Prediction
With the series perfectly poised at 1-1, there is plenty on the line here in Ahmedabad. England have been in excellent recent form but India’s win last time out was a significant psychological blow for Joe Root’s men and India should take a big step towards a series victory here.
