Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes (R) | X (Twitter)
In a strategic move, the England Cricket Board (ECB) has made a crucial change in the playing XI for the upcoming third Test against India in Rajkot. Pacer Mark Wood has been brought in, replacing Shoaib Bashir, as the Three Lions aim to turn the tide in the ongoing series.
Captain Ben Stokes is set to mark a significant milestone by playing his 100th Test match for England at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium. The decision to bring in Mark Wood reflects England’s adjustment to the conditions, making a sacrifice in the spin department for added pace.
After a nail-biting 28-run loss in the first Test in Hyderabad, England is looking to bounce back following their impressive 106-run win in the second Test at Visakhapatnam. With the series level 1-1 series, the third Test is poised to be a crucial encounter for both teams.
England’s Playing XI for the third Test:
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Jonny Bairstow
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Ben Foakes
- Rehan Ahmed
- Tom Hartley
- Mark Wood
- James Anderson
Including Mark Wood adds firepower to England’s pace attack, and the team will be eager to capitalize on the skipper’s experience as they aim to secure a lead in the series against a formidable Indian side. Stay tuned for live updates and in-depth analysis as the action unfolds in Rajkot.
