Just about anyone would be tempted to make multiple changes in the English playing XI for the upcoming, third India Test at Lord’s. But then, realistically that won’t happen. This is the same team that won the hosts the first match at Leeds. For the next encounter too, the English management has only brought in pacer Gus Atkinson, who is coming back after a brief injury.
So, InsideSport takes a look at the predicted England XI for the third Test:
No Replacement for Zak Crawley
To average of only 31 in 56, as an opener, is blasphemous. Zak Crawley has been slammed by Geoffrey Boycott, and even Michael Vaughan for non-performance, but then England just don’t have an opening replacement. They have a certain Jacob Bethell in the ranks, but Ben Stokes won’t be very keen on changing that batting order. In short, they are stuck with Crawley for now, until they announce a replacement for him, if at all.
Shoaib Bashir Remains Only Frontline Spinner
Playing at Lord’s, there perhaps isn’t need of a single spinner also, but then teams these days don’t necessarily want to take a risk. Hence, despite being very expensive, Shoaib Bashir will retain his spot in the playing XI. As for a part-timer, they will also have the services of veteran Joe Root, who is no rookie with the ball.
Twin Changes in Pace Department
The only changes that can come in, will be in the pace department. Brydon Carse could be out with a toe niggle, and wasn’t the best in the last match. In 2 matches, he has 6 wickets, at an average of 52. On the other hand, Josh Tongue, who is the highest wicket-taker in the series, 11, could be out for workload management. Instead of these two, Gus Atkinson and Jofra Archer come in.
ENGLAND Predicted XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Jamie Smith. Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir.
England predicted XI: Hosts stuck with Zak Crawley, pace battery sports new look Inside Sport India.
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