England vs India: 3rd Test, August 25, 2021, India Tour of England Match Prediction

Match Predictions

England may have had their moments in the entire series but India have been quite dominant throughout. Virat Kohli and co were in prime position to win the first Test at Trent Bridge, Nottingham before they recorded a magnificent come-from-behind win in the second Test at Lord’s to go 1-0 up in the five-match Test series.

England’s top-order struggles have continued. Skipper Joe Root has literally carried the entire batting line-up on his shoulders. Jonny Bairstow has made a few decent contributions but apart from that there’s barely any other player who has stood up with the bat and that has cost them. If Root scores big, England get a substantial total else they crumble, like it happened in the first innings of the first Test and second innings of the second Test. Meanwhile, it is the veteran James Anderson who has led the charge with the ball and he’s had good support from Ollie Robinson who has had an impressive start to his Test career.

Meanwhile, India’s top-order has laid the foundation in almost every innings that they have batted and that has been a massive difference between the two sides. The famed middle-order (3, 4 and 5) have been iffy but the likes of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane scored vital runs in the second innings of the second Test with India under pressure. Meanwhile, the bowling has been quite consistent and the pace attack has been absolutely splendid.

England have added Dawid Malan and Saqib Mahmood to the squad as Dom Sibley and Zak Crawley have faced the axe. The former is likely to slot in at No. 3 straightaway and Mahmood comes into the squad as an additional fast bowler. England might be sweating over Wood’s fitness and hence, Mahmood or Overton could get a look-in. On the other hand, India could well go in unchanged. Ravichandran Ashwin might be in contention if the team management feels the need for two spinners.

India have momentum on their side. Moreover, India have won their last two Test matches at Headingley (1986 and 2002). It may have been quite a while back but it is one of their better performing grounds in England. However, don’t count England out. They are a strong side at home and if their batting line-up can fire and put up a substantial score, their bowlers can really put the Indian batters under pressure.

Summary

England and India have faced each other as many as 128 times in Test cricket. England are well ahead with 48 wins while India have 30 wins. Meanwhile, 50 matches have ended in a draw. In England, India have won eight encounters, which includes their win at Lord’s in the second Test.