<p>England captain Ben Stokes is set for a major milestone in his Test career as he will wear his 100th cap in the red-ball format on Thursday (Feb 15) when his side takes on hosts India. Stokes, who made his debut for England in 2013, is the third-longest-serving active player in the team and was appointed captain of the side in 2022. He will join an elite company of players on Thursday when he takes the field at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot.</p>

<h2><strong>Stokes opens up on 100th Test cap</strong></h2>

<p>"Every Test is just as important as the next one. Then there's the next one, which will be 101 - it's just one more," Stokes said while in conversation with BBC.</p>

<p>"It's a sign of longevity, but 99, 100 or 101 doesn't make much difference. It's just a number.</p>

<p>"I don't want it to sound like I'm not thankful for the opportunities I've had, but with milestones, it's not done until it's done," he added.</p>

<p>Stokes has enjoyed a stellar Test career and has flourished since taking the leadership role in 2022. During his time as skipper till now, he has helped England win the Test series against New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa while drawing 2-2 against Australia in the Ashes in 2023. His latest challenge though remains a litmus test against India in their own backyard.</p>

<h3><strong>Most Test matches for England (Active Players)</strong></h3>

<p>James Anderson (2003 – Present) – 184 Matches</p>

<p>Joe Root (2012 – Present) – 137 Matches</p>

<p><strong>Ben Stokes (2013 – Present) – 99 Matches</strong></p>

<p>Jonny Bairstow (2012 – Present) – 97 Matches</p>

<p>Zak Crawley (2019 – Present) – 41 Matches</p>

<p>Ollie Pope (2018 – Present) – 40 Matches</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-england-to-recall-mark-wood-in-playing-xi-for-rajkot-test-shoaib-bashir-likely-to-miss-out-690077">IND vs ENG: England to recall Mark Wood in Playing XI for Rajkot Test; Shoaib Bashir likely to miss out</a></p>

<h2><strong>Can Stokes lead England to win in his 100th Test?</strong></h2>

<p>England are set to make wholesome changes to their Playing XI for the third Test match against India as the visitors look set to recall Mark Wood. Wood, having played the opening Test against India in Hyderabad, looks set for a recall as the visitors are likely to field two pacers in the third Test in Rajkot. This equation could result in Vizag debutant Shoaib Bashir missing out on the Playing XI.</p>

<p>Having won the opening Test by 28 runs in Hyderabad, the visitors were given a reality check by India owing to&nbsp;Yashasvi Jaiswal’s double ton and Jasprit Bumrah’s smart bowling in Vizag. India won the Test by 106 runs and will enter Rajkot with intentions of back-to-back wins having levelled the series 1-1.</p>


England captain Ben Stokes is set for a major milestone in his Test career as he will wear his 100th cap in the red-ball format on Thursday (Feb 15) when his side takes on hosts India.

England captain Ben Stokes is set for a major milestone in his Test career as he will wear his 100th cap in the red-ball format on Thursday (Feb 15) when his side takes on hosts India. Stokes, who made his debut for England in 2013, is the third-longest-serving active player in the team and was appointed captain of the side in 2022. He will join an elite company of players on Thursday when he takes the field at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. Stokes opens up on 100th Test cap "Every Test is just as important as the next one. Then there's the next one, which will be 101 - it's just one more," Stokes said while in conversation with BBC. "It's a sign of longevity, but 99, 100 or 101 doesn't make much difference. It's just a number. "I don't want it to sound like I'm not thankful for the opportunities I've had, but with milestones, it's not done until it's done," he added. Stokes has enjoyed a stellar Test career and has flourished since taking the leadership role in 2022. During his time as skipper till now, he has helped England win the Test series against New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa while drawing 2-2 against Australia in the Ashes in 2023. His latest challenge though remains a litmus test against India in their own backyard. Most Test matches for England (Active Players) James Anderson (2003 – Present) – 184 Matches Joe Root (2012 – Present) – 137 Matches Ben Stokes (2013 – Present) – 99 Matches Jonny Bairstow (2012 – Present) – 97 Matches Zak Crawley (2019 – Present) – 41 Matches Ollie Pope (2018 – Present) – 40 Matches ALSO READ | IND vs ENG: England to recall Mark Wood in Playing XI for Rajkot Test; Shoaib Bashir likely to miss out Can Stokes lead England to win in his 100th Test? England are set to make wholesome changes to their Playing XI for the third Test match against India as the visitors look set to recall Mark Wood. Wood, having played the opening Test against India in Hyderabad, looks set for a recall as the visitors are likely to field two pacers in the third Test in Rajkot. This equation could result in Vizag debutant Shoaib Bashir missing out on the Playing XI. Having won the opening Test by 28 runs in Hyderabad, the visitors were given a reality check by India owing to Yashasvi Jaiswal’s double ton and Jasprit Bumrah’s smart bowling in Vizag. India won the Test by 106 runs and will enter Rajkot with intentions of back-to-back wins having levelled the series 1-1.

IND vs ENG: 'It's just a number' - Ben Stokes on monumental 100th Test cap for England

<p>After much anticipation and less than a week to go for the start of the third Test match in Rajkot, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad for the remainder of the Test series against England on Saturday (Feb 10). The BCCI had some hard decisions in hand before they announced the squad for the remaining three matches with Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul in doubt for several reasons. However, by Saturday afternoon, it was reported that Shreyas Iyer, who like Virat is not part of the Test series anymore, is not injured but has been dropped from the squad.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🚨 NEWS 🚨<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>'s Squad for final three Tests against England announced.<br />
<br />
Details 🔽 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/IDFCFIRSTBank?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IDFCFIRSTBank</a><a href="https://t.co/JPXnyD4WBK">https://t.co/JPXnyD4WBK</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1756183500737425906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Shreyas Iyer dropped</strong></h2>

<p>Shreyas Iyer was reported to have suffered another injury scare and was to miss the remaining Test series. However, according to&nbsp;PTI, Shreyas was axed from the squad for poor performances and is fit to play. Shreyas has been suffering a recurrence of back injury in recent times but was still in the frame to play all the matches in the England tour.</p>

<p>His performances in the last few innings have seen him score 191 runs in nine innings, a poor return for the Mumbai batter. With Rajat Patidar and Sarfaraz Khan also in the squad, it is expected that Shreyas’ form will become a huge worrying sign for him and the selectors have finally pulled their trigger to axe the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain.</p>

<h2><strong>Virat to miss Test series</strong></h2>

<p>A huge doubt for the remaining three Test matches, the BCCI on Saturday officially confirmed Virat’s exclusion from the squad for the remainder of the series. The 35-year-old will miss the series due to personal reasons which means he will have to wait longer to complete 2000 Test runs against England. He has 1991 runs and had a golden opportunity to get into the 2000-run club while he needed just 52 runs to make England his favourite Test opponent.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dale-steyn-throws-weight-behind-virat-kohli-for-skipping-england-tests-says-family-is-priority-688751">Dale Steyn throws weight behind Virat Kohli for skipping England Tests, says ‘family is priority’</a></p>

<p>Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul continue to rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru but are included in the squad for the remaining matches. However, their inclusion in the Playing XI will come after a clearance from the medical team. While Jadeja is expected to be fully fit for the fourth Test in Ranchi, Rahul could be available for the Rajkot Test starting on Thursday.</p>

<p>Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul*, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), KS Bharat (WK), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja*, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep</p>


After much anticipation and less than a week to go for the start of the third Test match in Rajkot, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad for the remainder of the Test series against England on Saturday (Feb 10).

After much anticipation and less than a week to go for the start of the third Test match in Rajkot, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the squad for the remainder of the Test series against England on Saturday (Feb 10). The BCCI had some hard decisions in hand before they announced the squad for the remaining three matches with Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul in doubt for several reasons. However, by Saturday afternoon, it was reported that Shreyas Iyer, who like Virat is not part of the Test series anymore, is not injured but has been dropped from the squad. 🚨 NEWS 🚨#TeamIndia's Squad for final three Tests against England announced. Details 🔽 #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBankhttps://t.co/JPXnyD4WBK — BCCI (@BCCI) February 10, 2024 × Shreyas Iyer dropped Shreyas Iyer was reported to have suffered another injury scare and was to miss the remaining Test series. However, according to PTI, Shreyas was axed from the squad for poor performances and is fit to play. Shreyas has been suffering a recurrence of back injury in recent times but was still in the frame to play all the matches in the England tour. His performances in the last few innings have seen him score 191 runs in nine innings, a poor return for the Mumbai batter. With Rajat Patidar and Sarfaraz Khan also in the squad, it is expected that Shreyas’ form will become a huge worrying sign for him and the selectors have finally pulled their trigger to axe the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain. Virat to miss Test series A huge doubt for the remaining three Test matches, the BCCI on Saturday officially confirmed Virat’s exclusion from the squad for the remainder of the series. The 35-year-old will miss the series due to personal reasons which means he will have to wait longer to complete 2000 Test runs against England. He has 1991 runs and had a golden opportunity to get into the 2000-run club while he needed just 52 runs to make England his favourite Test opponent. ALSO READ | Dale Steyn throws weight behind Virat Kohli for skipping England Tests, says ‘family is priority’ Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul continue to rehab at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru but are included in the squad for the remaining matches. However, their inclusion in the Playing XI will come after a clearance from the medical team. While Jadeja is expected to be fully fit for the fourth Test in Ranchi, Rahul could be available for the Rajkot Test starting on Thursday. Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul*, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), KS Bharat (WK), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja*, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep

IND vs ENG: Not injured but Shreyas Iyer ‘axed’ from India’s squad for remainder of England series - Reports

<p>Former South Africa bowler and pace sensation Dale Steyn&nbsp;heaped praise on pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who guided India to victory in the ongoing Test series against England. Bumrah, player of the match in the second Test in Vizag helped India go level in the three-match series. His performance also saw him take the top spot in the ICC Test bowlers ranking and becoming&nbsp;the first Indian to achieve the feat. According to Steyn, Bumrah has all the tools to succeed on any given track.</p>

<h2><strong>Steyn praises Bumrah</strong></h2>

<p>“I don't think there's any Test bowlers right now who are able to run in and bowl essentially wicket-taking yorkers," said Steyn.</p>

<p>"To take wickets in Test matches, there are probably a handful of guys who could do that. Trent Boult was one of that, Mitchell Starc maybe. And obviously, Bumrah," he added.</p>

<p>In 2022, Bumrah missed the T20 World Cup due to a shoulder issue and was out of action during the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL). Bumrah’s absence was a major miss for the national team as they lacked his experience in crucial matches.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepals-star-cricketer-sandeep-lamichhane-jailed-for-eight-years-for-rape-678703/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>“All round he's a fantastic bowler. And it's no surprise with his skiddy kind of action that he's got that. He takes wickets on those docile pitches, so he's fantastic," Steyn further said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-bankers-warn-saudis-of-facing-possible-prison-time-for-aiding-pga-liv-probe-688604">Golf: Bankers warn Saudis of facing possible prison time for aiding PGA-LIV probe</a></p>

<p>Bumrah returned to action during the Ireland tour last year after staying away from cricket for a long time due to injuries.&nbsp;After recovering ahead of the ODI World Cup, he was one of the first names on the team sheet before Mohammed Shami became the ace bowler with his match-winning spells.</p>

<p>So far in the ongoing Test series against England, he has scalped 15 wickets making him India’s main frontline bowler in the absence of Shami. His spell of 45/6 in the first innings of the Vizag Test set the tone for India’s win against England.</p>

<p>The win in Vizag also saw India level the series at 1-1 having earlier lost the first Test in Hyderabad by 28 runs. The two teams will next meet on Thursday (Feb 15) in the third Test in Rajkot with Mohammed Siraj also likely to make his return to the side.</p>


Former South Africa bowler and pace sensation Dale Steyn heaped praise on pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who guided India to victory in the ongoing Test series against England.

Former South Africa bowler and pace sensation Dale Steyn heaped praise on pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who guided India to victory in the ongoing Test series against England. Bumrah, player of the match in the second Test in Vizag helped India go level in the three-match series. His performance also saw him take the top spot in the ICC Test bowlers ranking and becoming the first Indian to achieve the feat. According to Steyn, Bumrah has all the tools to succeed on any given track. Steyn praises Bumrah “I don't think there's any Test bowlers right now who are able to run in and bowl essentially wicket-taking yorkers," said Steyn. "To take wickets in Test matches, there are probably a handful of guys who could do that. Trent Boult was one of that, Mitchell Starc maybe. And obviously, Bumrah," he added. In 2022, Bumrah missed the T20 World Cup due to a shoulder issue and was out of action during the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL). Bumrah’s absence was a major miss for the national team as they lacked his experience in crucial matches. × “All round he's a fantastic bowler. And it's no surprise with his skiddy kind of action that he's got that. He takes wickets on those docile pitches, so he's fantastic," Steyn further said. ALSO READ | Golf: Bankers warn Saudis of facing possible prison time for aiding PGA-LIV probe Bumrah returned to action during the Ireland tour last year after staying away from cricket for a long time due to injuries. After recovering ahead of the ODI World Cup, he was one of the first names on the team sheet before Mohammed Shami became the ace bowler with his match-winning spells. So far in the ongoing Test series against England, he has scalped 15 wickets making him India’s main frontline bowler in the absence of Shami. His spell of 45/6 in the first innings of the Vizag Test set the tone for India’s win against England. The win in Vizag also saw India level the series at 1-1 having earlier lost the first Test in Hyderabad by 28 runs. The two teams will next meet on Thursday (Feb 15) in the third Test in Rajkot with Mohammed Siraj also likely to make his return to the side.

IND vs ENG: 'He takes wickets on docile pitches', says Dale Steyn about Jasprit Burmah

<p>Former Australia captain Michael Anderson has heaped praise on India’s star bowler Jasprit Bumrah after he clinched the top spot in the ICC Test bowler’s rankings on Wednesday (Feb 7). Bumrah, who has been troubled with injuries in recent times, has regained his top form in the ongoing Test series against England having scalped 15 wickets. Clarke also praised James Anderson for his fitness and performance at 41 while calling Bumrah a freak.</p>

<h2><strong>Clarke in awe of Bumrah</strong></h2>

<p>"James Anderson, with the ball was phenomenal in the 2nd Test, on a flat batting pitch that did not have much for the fast bowlers. And Bumrah, what can you say! He is a freak. His skill use in conditions that are not conducive to fast-bowling, uff, it's unbelievable. He is a freak," Michael Clarke told ESPN.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepals-star-cricketer-sandeep-lamichhane-jailed-for-eight-years-for-rape-678703/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>In 2022, Bumrah missed the T20 World Cup due to a shoulder issue and was out of action during the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL). The speedster’s absence was a major miss for the national team as they lacked his experience in crucial matches. Bumrah scalped nine wickets in the second Test match and has been India’s top asset despite missing the services of Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami in the Vizag Test.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-v-eng-ab-de-villiers-lauds-indias-bowling-attack-for-setting-up-wickets-for-jasprit-bumrah-in-vizag-688221">IND v ENG: AB de Villiers lauds India’s bowling attack for setting up wickets for Jasprit Bumrah in Vizag</a></p>

<p>"A big part of greatness is longevity, no matter what you do. He has gone through those highs and lows. Yes, he has had some injuries. But, to be able to play this amount of cricket over that amount of time is phenomenal. Again, I think he showed his class and skill in that Test match," Clarke added.</p>

<p>Bumrah’s spell of 45/6 in the first innings of the Vizag Test set the tone for India’s win against England. The&nbsp;Vizag victory also saw India level the series at 1-1 having earlier lost the first Test in Hyderabad by 28 runs. The two teams will next meet on Thursday (Feb 15) in the third Test in Rajkot with Mohammed Siraj&nbsp;likely to make his return to the side.</p>


Former Australia captain Michael Anderson has heaped praise on India’s star bowler Jasprit Bumrah after he clinched the top spot in the ICC Test bowler’s rankings on Wednesday (Feb 7).

Former Australia captain Michael Anderson has heaped praise on India’s star bowler Jasprit Bumrah after he clinched the top spot in the ICC Test bowler’s rankings on Wednesday (Feb 7). Bumrah, who has been troubled with injuries in recent times, has regained his top form in the ongoing Test series against England having scalped 15 wickets. Clarke also praised James Anderson for his fitness and performance at 41 while calling Bumrah a freak. Clarke in awe of Bumrah "James Anderson, with the ball was phenomenal in the 2nd Test, on a flat batting pitch that did not have much for the fast bowlers. And Bumrah, what can you say! He is a freak. His skill use in conditions that are not conducive to fast-bowling, uff, it's unbelievable. He is a freak," Michael Clarke told ESPN. × In 2022, Bumrah missed the T20 World Cup due to a shoulder issue and was out of action during the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL). The speedster’s absence was a major miss for the national team as they lacked his experience in crucial matches. Bumrah scalped nine wickets in the second Test match and has been India’s top asset despite missing the services of Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami in the Vizag Test. ALSO READ | IND v ENG: AB de Villiers lauds India’s bowling attack for setting up wickets for Jasprit Bumrah in Vizag "A big part of greatness is longevity, no matter what you do. He has gone through those highs and lows. Yes, he has had some injuries. But, to be able to play this amount of cricket over that amount of time is phenomenal. Again, I think he showed his class and skill in that Test match," Clarke added. Bumrah’s spell of 45/6 in the first innings of the Vizag Test set the tone for India’s win against England. The Vizag victory also saw India level the series at 1-1 having earlier lost the first Test in Hyderabad by 28 runs. The two teams will next meet on Thursday (Feb 15) in the third Test in Rajkot with Mohammed Siraj likely to make his return to the side.

IND vs ENG: Michael Clarke in awe of Jasprit Bumrah after Vizag heroics, says 'he is a freak'

<p>India’s star batter Virat Kohli is likely to miss the upcoming third and fourth Tests against England as his anticipated return now gets prolonged. Virat, who missed the opening two Test matches against England in Hyderabad and Vizag was likely to return for the third Test in Rajkot, however, according to the latest reports he won’t be available for the crucial third Test starting on Thursday (Feb 15). However, India could be boosted by the return of Mohammed Siraj, who is fit and ready to start in the bowling department.</p>

<h2><strong>Virat to likely to miss upcoming Tests</strong></h2>

<p>Having missed the opening two Tests due to “personal reasons” it was likely that Virat could return for the remaining three matches. However, according to ESPNcricinfo, Virat will probably miss the third and fourth Tests in Rajkot and Ranchi respectively while he is also unlikely to be available for the fifth Test in Dharamsala which starts on March 7.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepals-star-cricketer-sandeep-lamichhane-jailed-for-eight-years-for-rape-678703/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>His continued absence will be a big blow for Team India as they are already without the services of KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja in the batting unit. Both Jadeja and Rahul were injured after the first and second Test matches respectively. Shubman Gill is another player who has been troubled with injuries and is closely monitored by the team management.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2024-dc-coach-ricky-ponting-not-quite-sure-yet-about-rishabh-pants-role-in-upcoming-season-687778">IPL 2024: DC coach Ricky Ponting 'not quite sure yet' about Rishabh Pant's role in upcoming season</a></p>

<p>Jadeja is currently in the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru where he is in rehabilitation and expects to be fit for the Rajkot Test. Rahul is also hoping for the same with the third Test not starting for another week.</p>

<p>In a major boost for the hosts, Siraj is likely to return having stayed away from action during the Vizag Test. His return will be a major boost for the side with India already without the services of Mohammed Shami. If Siraj is included, Mukesh Kumar is the most likely player to make way for him.</p>

<p>Currently, the five-match Test series is level at 1-1 with India coming back into the series with a 106-run win in Vizag on Monday. The hosts had earlier lost a close contest in Hyderabad where they were beaten by 28 runs despite having a lead of 190 runs at the end of the first innings.</p>


India’s star batter Virat Kohli is likely to miss the upcoming third and fourth Tests against England as his anticipated return now gets prolonged. Virat, who missed the opening two Test matches against England in Hyderabad and Vizag was likely to return for the third Test in Rajkot, however, according to the latest reports he won’t be available for the crucial third Test starting on Thursday (Feb 15).

India’s star batter Virat Kohli is likely to miss the upcoming third and fourth Tests against England as his anticipated return now gets prolonged. Virat, who missed the opening two Test matches against England in Hyderabad and Vizag was likely to return for the third Test in Rajkot, however, according to the latest reports he won’t be available for the crucial third Test starting on Thursday (Feb 15). However, India could be boosted by the return of Mohammed Siraj, who is fit and ready to start in the bowling department. Virat to likely to miss upcoming Tests Having missed the opening two Tests due to “personal reasons” it was likely that Virat could return for the remaining three matches. However, according to ESPNcricinfo, Virat will probably miss the third and fourth Tests in Rajkot and Ranchi respectively while he is also unlikely to be available for the fifth Test in Dharamsala which starts on March 7. × His continued absence will be a big blow for Team India as they are already without the services of KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja in the batting unit. Both Jadeja and Rahul were injured after the first and second Test matches respectively. Shubman Gill is another player who has been troubled with injuries and is closely monitored by the team management. ALSO READ | IPL 2024: DC coach Ricky Ponting 'not quite sure yet' about Rishabh Pant's role in upcoming season Jadeja is currently in the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru where he is in rehabilitation and expects to be fit for the Rajkot Test. Rahul is also hoping for the same with the third Test not starting for another week. In a major boost for the hosts, Siraj is likely to return having stayed away from action during the Vizag Test. His return will be a major boost for the side with India already without the services of Mohammed Shami. If Siraj is included, Mukesh Kumar is the most likely player to make way for him. Currently, the five-match Test series is level at 1-1 with India coming back into the series with a 106-run win in Vizag on Monday. The hosts had earlier lost a close contest in Hyderabad where they were beaten by 28 runs despite having a lead of 190 runs at the end of the first innings.

IND vs ENG: Virat Kohli to miss Rajkot, Ranchi Tests; Mohammed Siraj set for return - Report

<p>Former England captain Ian Botham has credited the English side for reviving the fortunes of Test cricket as Ben Stokes’ men continue to play an aggressive brand of cricket. Termed “Bazball’ after Brendon McCullum took over the charge&nbsp;of the English side as head coach in 2022, the fast-attacking cricket has seen fans once again attracted towards the red-ball format despite the rise of T20 leagues like Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Big Bash League (BBL).</p>

<h2><strong>Botham in awe of Bazball</strong></h2>

<p>"You just have to look at the crowds. The crowds are now starting to come back to Test cricket," Botham told 'SENQ 693'. "Playing against India 20-30 years ago in India, the grounds were heaving. Suddenly, the IPL came along and so did one-day cricket and the crowds then plummeted. People are now coming back and wanting to see (Bazball)."</p>

<p>"You are entertainers at the end of the day and if you want people to come to the games, you have to entertain. They don't want to see someone score 1.2 runs per hour, you want to see guys just boss the game."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepals-star-cricketer-sandeep-lamichhane-jailed-for-eight-years-for-rape-678703/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"You are going to lose one or two games here or there but England have played 15 and won 12. England sells out games across all five days now which was just unheard of."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2024-dc-coach-ricky-ponting-not-quite-sure-yet-about-rishabh-pants-role-in-upcoming-season-687778">IPL 2024: DC coach Ricky Ponting 'not quite sure yet' about Rishabh Pant's role in upcoming season</a></p>

<p>Since 2022, England are yet to lose a Test series having enjoyed a stellar run during the last couple of years. Their great run has seen them demolish teams like New Zealand, Pakistan and India while they have drawn against Australia in the Ashes. Ben Stoke has been the central figure during the fast-attacking style of cricket and has successfully led the side during the tenure.</p>

<p>Having already won a series in the sub-continent in Pakistan under Stokes’ captaincy England are looking to repeat the trick in India. Currently, they are level at 1-1 in the five-match Test series having won the opening Test in Hyderabad. Their luck ran out in the second Test match in Vizag where they lost by 106 runs as hosts India mounted a comeback.</p>

<p>The two nations are now scheduled to meet again next Thursday (Feb 15) in the third Test match in Rajkot where both India and England will look to take a vital lead in the series.</p>


Former England captain Ian Botham has credited the English side for reviving the fortunes of Test cricket as Ben Stokes’ men continue to play an aggressive brand of cricket.

Former England captain Ian Botham has credited the English side for reviving the fortunes of Test cricket as Ben Stokes’ men continue to play an aggressive brand of cricket. Termed “Bazball’ after Brendon McCullum took over the charge of the English side as head coach in 2022, the fast-attacking cricket has seen fans once again attracted towards the red-ball format despite the rise of T20 leagues like Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Big Bash League (BBL). Botham in awe of Bazball "You just have to look at the crowds. The crowds are now starting to come back to Test cricket," Botham told 'SENQ 693'. "Playing against India 20-30 years ago in India, the grounds were heaving. Suddenly, the IPL came along and so did one-day cricket and the crowds then plummeted. People are now coming back and wanting to see (Bazball)." "You are entertainers at the end of the day and if you want people to come to the games, you have to entertain. They don't want to see someone score 1.2 runs per hour, you want to see guys just boss the game." × "You are going to lose one or two games here or there but England have played 15 and won 12. England sells out games across all five days now which was just unheard of." ALSO READ | IPL 2024: DC coach Ricky Ponting 'not quite sure yet' about Rishabh Pant's role in upcoming season Since 2022, England are yet to lose a Test series having enjoyed a stellar run during the last couple of years. Their great run has seen them demolish teams like New Zealand, Pakistan and India while they have drawn against Australia in the Ashes. Ben Stoke has been the central figure during the fast-attacking style of cricket and has successfully led the side during the tenure. Having already won a series in the sub-continent in Pakistan under Stokes’ captaincy England are looking to repeat the trick in India. Currently, they are level at 1-1 in the five-match Test series having won the opening Test in Hyderabad. Their luck ran out in the second Test match in Vizag where they lost by 106 runs as hosts India mounted a comeback. The two nations are now scheduled to meet again next Thursday (Feb 15) in the third Test match in Rajkot where both India and England will look to take a vital lead in the series.

IND vs ENG: Former England captain Ian Botham credits 'Bazball' for reviving fortunes of Test cricket

<p>England head coach Brendon McCullum has taken note of Virat Kohli’s return to the Indian team as the teams have shifted attention to the Rajkot Test which starts next Thursday (Feb 15). Virat, who did not participate in the opening two matches of the Test series against England will be back in the squad for the third Test. According to McCullum, Virat is one of the finest and greatest players of his generation and will be a big addition to the Indian team.</p>

<h2><strong>Virat set to return to Team India</strong></h2>

<p>"Virat's one of the greatest players of the game has seen. No doubt it improves this squad. As we have said throughout, the depth of Indian cricket, the talent in India is immense. So we respect every opposition player that we come up against," Brendon McCullum told TalkSport.</p>

<p>"If Virat is coming back... we hope everything is well with his family. We will look forward to that challenge too. He is a great competitor. I know him very well and I enjoyed playing against him, I enjoyed our team playing against him. And if you have success against the best, I am sure you have earned it," he added.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepals-star-cricketer-sandeep-lamichhane-jailed-for-eight-years-for-rape-678703/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Virat’s return against England will be a massive boost to the Indian side as the hosts look to take a vital lead in the five-match Test series. So far against England, Virat has scored 1991 runs and needs nine more runs to reach the special club of ‘2000’.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-manchester-city-blast-brentford-away-to-move-within-two-points-of-top-687309">Premier League: Manchester City blast Brentford away to move within two points of top</a></p>

<p>England will become Virat’s most favourite Test opponent during the Test series with Australia being the only other nation against whom he has scored more runs. Scoring 52 runs against England, Virat will leapfrog the tally of 2042 runs he has against the Aussies. Virat also has five hundreds and nine fifties against the English side with a best of 235.</p>

<p>Virat’s inclusion will be a timely boost for the Indian side as they are already without the services of Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul while Shubman Gill is also nursing an injury after the Vizag Test. His inclusion alongside a fit Gill could see the exclusion of Rajat Patidar from the Playing XI for the Rajkot Test next week.</p>


England head coach Brendon McCullum has taken note of Virat Kohli’s return to the Indian team as the teams have shifted attention to the Rajkot Test which starts next Thursday (Feb 15).

England head coach Brendon McCullum has taken note of Virat Kohli’s return to the Indian team as the teams have shifted attention to the Rajkot Test which starts next Thursday (Feb 15). Virat, who did not participate in the opening two matches of the Test series against England will be back in the squad for the third Test. According to McCullum, Virat is one of the finest and greatest players of his generation and will be a big addition to the Indian team. Virat set to return to Team India "Virat's one of the greatest players of the game has seen. No doubt it improves this squad. As we have said throughout, the depth of Indian cricket, the talent in India is immense. So we respect every opposition player that we come up against," Brendon McCullum told TalkSport. "If Virat is coming back... we hope everything is well with his family. We will look forward to that challenge too. He is a great competitor. I know him very well and I enjoyed playing against him, I enjoyed our team playing against him. And if you have success against the best, I am sure you have earned it," he added. × Virat’s return against England will be a massive boost to the Indian side as the hosts look to take a vital lead in the five-match Test series. So far against England, Virat has scored 1991 runs and needs nine more runs to reach the special club of ‘2000’. ALSO READ | Premier League: Manchester City blast Brentford away to move within two points of top England will become Virat’s most favourite Test opponent during the Test series with Australia being the only other nation against whom he has scored more runs. Scoring 52 runs against England, Virat will leapfrog the tally of 2042 runs he has against the Aussies. Virat also has five hundreds and nine fifties against the English side with a best of 235. Virat’s inclusion will be a timely boost for the Indian side as they are already without the services of Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul while Shubman Gill is also nursing an injury after the Vizag Test. His inclusion alongside a fit Gill could see the exclusion of Rajat Patidar from the Playing XI for the Rajkot Test next week.

IND vs ENG: England coach Brendon McCullum takes note of GOAT Virat Kohli's return to Indian side

<p>Team India will be running high on confidence as they take on hosts England in the third Test match at Headingly, Leeds on Wednesday (August 25). The Men in Blue are up by 1-0 in the five-match series.&nbsp;Virat and Co.'s recent win at Lord's showcased an all-around performance to beat the hosts by 151 runs on the final day.&nbsp;Kohli-led India will be wary of not losing steam in the remainder of the series and will aim for an unassailable 2-0 lead.&nbsp;The pitch conditions will favour the seamers and also a good batting pitch. India might go ahead with four seamers and one spinner. Out of the last eight matches played at the venue, seven have produced a result and the team batting first has won four times.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-england-2021-3rd-test-pitch-conditions-at-headingly-leeds-weather-report-and-stats-408181" hreflang="en">India vs England 2021, 3rd Test: Pitch conditions at Headingly, Leeds weather report and stats</a></p>

<h2><strong>Here is all you need to know about India vs England 3rd Test:</strong></h2>

<h2><strong>Where will the 3rd Test between India and England take place?</strong></h2>

<p>The 3rd Test between India and England will take place at Headingley, Leeds.</p>

<h2><strong>At what time does the 3rd Test between India and England begin?</strong></h2>

<p>The 3rd Test between India and England will begin at 03:30 PM IST on Wednesday (August 25th). The toss will take place at 3 PM IST.</p>

<h2><strong>Where and how to watch live coverage of the 3rd Test between India and England?</strong></h2>

<p>The 3rd Test between India and England will be aired live on SONY SIX channels.</p>


Team India will be running high on confidence as they take on hosts England in the third Test match at Headingly, Leeds on Wednesday (August 25). The Men in Blue are up by 1-0 in the five-match series.

Team India will be running high on confidence as they take on hosts England in the third Test match at Headingly, Leeds on Wednesday (August 25). The Men in Blue are up by 1-0 in the five-match series. Virat and Co.'s recent win at Lord's showcased an all-around performance to beat the hosts by 151 runs on the final day. Kohli-led India will be wary of not losing steam in the remainder of the series and will aim for an unassailable 2-0 lead. The pitch conditions will favour the seamers and also a good batting pitch. India might go ahead with four seamers and one spinner. Out of the last eight matches played at the venue, seven have produced a result and the team batting first has won four times. ALSO READ: India vs England 2021, 3rd Test: Pitch conditions at Headingly, Leeds weather report and stats Here is all you need to know about India vs England 3rd Test: Where will the 3rd Test between India and England take place? The 3rd Test between India and England will take place at Headingley, Leeds. At what time does the 3rd Test between India and England begin? The 3rd Test between India and England will begin at 03:30 PM IST on Wednesday (August 25th). The toss will take place at 3 PM IST. Where and how to watch live coverage of the 3rd Test between India and England? The 3rd Test between India and England will be aired live on SONY SIX channels.

IND vs ENG, 3rd Test: When and where to watch third Test between India vs England?

From signed bats to historic photos: Inside the 'Hall of Fame' zone Narendra Modi Stadium

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{4bdeae7d-282c-4682-b07f-222a6092008d}{123}" paraid="888001765" >The pitch of the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the pink-ball Test between India and England have been central to widespread debate over the few days.&nbsp;The third Test was over within two days with India outplaying the visitors and winning the match by a comfortable 10-wicket margin.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{46542adc-f0c1-4e23-9198-0bbe125427c3}{245}" paraid="31352766" >While the likes of Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook and Michael Vaughan among other prominent former cricketers have&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;the Ahmedabad strip, Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has come to the support of the pitch as he said "everyone in the world seems to starts&nbsp;crying" as&nbsp;soon&nbsp;as the ball starts spinning.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{4bdeae7d-282c-4682-b07f-222a6092008d}{132}" paraid="1648301433" >England are even considering whether to lodge a formal complaint to the International Cricket Council (ICC) about the Ahmedabad pitch for the third Test.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{65a659b0-7285-403d-851b-1ed7b87b2b83}{228}" paraid="1069855038" >Lyon, meanwhile, has said that the best thing about the pink-ball Test was that England opted with four seamers&nbsp;suggesting&nbsp;that the visitors read the conditions wrong.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{65a659b0-7285-403d-851b-1ed7b87b2b83}{217}" paraid="1418860952" >"The best thing about this Test match that just passed is that England went in with four seamers," Lyon&nbsp;was quoted as saying by Cricket.com.au.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{65a659b0-7285-403d-851b-1ed7b87b2b83}{217}" paraid="1418860952" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-must-know-what-we-should-buy-ravichandran-ashwins-explosive-take-on-pitch-criticism-366671" hreflang="en">'We must know what we should buy': Ravichandran Ashwin's explosive take on pitch criticism</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5c98e3e8-df1b-45ec-b893-00a5eba496bb}{57}" paraid="21251355" >"That will do me. I don't need to say any more."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5c98e3e8-df1b-45ec-b893-00a5eba496bb}{64}" paraid="1295673395" >Notably, Lyon had worked as a curator before embarking on his 100-Test journey which is still continuing. The veteran Aussie was gripped by the dominance of Ravichandran Ashwin and&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{dccb5406-9c3e-4b2b-8181-a7ec0c3680f9}{10}" paraid="1257229897" >"I was up all night watching it," he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{dccb5406-9c3e-4b2b-8181-a7ec0c3680f9}{10}" paraid="1257229897" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/guilty-of-thinking-too-far-ahead-ian-bell-on-englands-rotation-policy-366699" hreflang="en">'Guilty of thinking too far ahead': Ian Bell on England's rotation policy</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5c98e3e8-df1b-45ec-b893-00a5eba496bb}{99}" paraid="612051597" >"It was absolutely brilliant. I'm thinking about bringing that curator out to the SCG.&nbsp;We play on seaming wickets around the world and get bowled out for 47, 60. Nobody ever says a thing (about the pitch).&nbsp;But as soon as it starts spinning, everyone in the world seems to start crying about it.&nbsp;I don't get it. I'm all for it, it was entertaining."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5c98e3e8-df1b-45ec-b893-00a5eba496bb}{99}" paraid="612051597" >Earlier on Saturday, Ravichandran Ashwin hit back at the pitch critics as he said:&nbsp; "I think I have said that in the past as well, everyone is entitled to their opinion and I am not here to say that your opinion is right and it is wrong. The fact remains that the talk about the surface is getting out of hand. Why would you talk about the surface and sell that to us time and time again? Is there any instance where the pitch has been talked about this much when we have played games in other countries," said Ashwin while replying to an ANI query during a virtual press conference on Saturday.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5c98e3e8-df1b-45ec-b893-00a5eba496bb}{99}" paraid="612051597" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/looking-after-the-groundsmen-andrew-strauss-slams-indian-captain-virat-kohli-366686" hreflang="en">'Looking after the groundsmen': Andrew Strauss slams Indian captain Virat Kohli</a></strong></p>

<p>"I somehow find it funny that when they speak about the surface, it immediately gets quoted all over in our press and this is the issue here. There have been instances, we have been to New Zealand, where both the Tests got over in a total of five days. There is a video doing the rounds where Virat Kohli is talking in South Africa and he says I am not here to talk about the pitch. That is how we have been taught to play cricket, that's why I say let them sell thoughts, buying is our choice," he added.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{5c98e3e8-df1b-45ec-b893-00a5eba496bb}{155}" paraid="738692707" >Meanwhile, for Australia's contention to be in the ICC World Test Championship final, England need to find the fourth Test against India, scheduled to be played at the same venue on Thursday.&nbsp;The result was a major blow to Australia's hopes of sneaking into the Test championship final.&nbsp;However, a win or a draw for India will ensure Virat Kohli &amp; Co's spot in the summit clash against New Zealand in England later in the year.&nbsp;</p>


The pitch of the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the pink-ball Test between India and England have been central to widespread debate over the few days. The third Test was over within two days with India outplaying the visitors and winning the match by a comfortable 10-wicket margin.

The pitch of the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the pink-ball Test between India and England have been central to widespread debate over the few days. The third Test was over within two days with India outplaying the visitors and winning the match by a comfortable 10-wicket margin. While the likes of Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook and Michael Vaughan among other prominent former cricketers have criticised the Ahmedabad strip, Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has come to the support of the pitch as he said "everyone in the world seems to starts crying" as soon as the ball starts spinning. England are even considering whether to lodge a formal complaint to the International Cricket Council (ICC) about the Ahmedabad pitch for the third Test. Lyon, meanwhile, has said that the best thing about the pink-ball Test was that England opted with four seamers suggesting that the visitors read the conditions wrong. "The best thing about this Test match that just passed is that England went in with four seamers," Lyon was quoted as saying by Cricket.com.au. ALSO READ: 'We must know what we should buy': Ravichandran Ashwin's explosive take on pitch criticism "That will do me. I don't need to say any more." Notably, Lyon had worked as a curator before embarking on his 100-Test journey which is still continuing. The veteran Aussie was gripped by the dominance of Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel. "I was up all night watching it," he said. ALSO READ: 'Guilty of thinking too far ahead': Ian Bell on England's rotation policy "It was absolutely brilliant. I'm thinking about bringing that curator out to the SCG. We play on seaming wickets around the world and get bowled out for 47, 60. Nobody ever says a thing (about the pitch). But as soon as it starts spinning, everyone in the world seems to start crying about it. I don't get it. I'm all for it, it was entertaining." Earlier on Saturday, Ravichandran Ashwin hit back at the pitch critics as he said: "I think I have said that in the past as well, everyone is entitled to their opinion and I am not here to say that your opinion is right and it is wrong. The fact remains that the talk about the surface is getting out of hand. Why would you talk about the surface and sell that to us time and time again? Is there any instance where the pitch has been talked about this much when we have played games in other countries," said Ashwin while replying to an ANI query during a virtual press conference on Saturday. ALSO READ: 'Looking after the groundsmen': Andrew Strauss slams Indian captain Virat Kohli "I somehow find it funny that when they speak about the surface, it immediately gets quoted all over in our press and this is the issue here. There have been instances, we have been to New Zealand, where both the Tests got over in a total of five days. There is a video doing the rounds where Virat Kohli is talking in South Africa and he says I am not here to talk about the pitch. That is how we have been taught to play cricket, that's why I say let them sell thoughts, buying is our choice," he added. Meanwhile, for Australia's contention to be in the ICC World Test Championship final, England need to find the fourth Test against India, scheduled to be played at the same venue on Thursday. The result was a major blow to Australia's hopes of sneaking into the Test championship final. However, a win or a draw for India will ensure Virat Kohli & Co's spot in the summit clash against New Zealand in England later in the year.

'Everyone in the world starts crying': Nathan Lyon gives his verdict on Ahmedabad pitch

<p>Ravichandran Ashwin on Saturday reacted to pitch criticism after India's 10-wicket win over England and said that these talks are getting out of hand. According to Indian spinner, one should talk about the quality of play rather than the pitch.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-considering-4-5-venues-for-ipl-2021-after-covid-19-surge-in-mumbai-366469" hreflang="en">BCCI considering 4-5 venues for IPL 2021 after COVID-19 surge in Mumbai</a></p>

<p>"I think I have said that in the past as well, everyone is entitled to their opinion and I am not here to say that your opinion is right and it is wrong. The fact remains that the talk about the surface is getting out of hand. Why would you talk about the surface and sell that to us time and time again? Is there any instance where the pitch has been talked about this much when we have played games in other countries," said Ashwin while replying to an ANI query during a virtual press conference on Saturday.</p>

<p>"I somehow find it funny that when they speak about the surface, it immediately gets quoted all over in our press and this is the issue here. There have been instances, we have been to New Zealand, where both the Tests got over in a total of five days. There is a video doing the rounds where Virat Kohli is talking in South Africa and he says I am not here to talk about the pitch. That is how we have been taught to play cricket, that's why I say let them sell thoughts, buying is our choice," he added.</p>

<p>Ashwin further said: "The bowler wins the game, the batsmen need to bat well to score runs. Who defines what a good surface is? Seam on the first day, then bat well in the next couple of days and spin on the last two days, come on, who makes these rules? We need to get over it and if you are asking whether the pitch in the third Test was a good surface, I do not see any players of England coming out and complaining. You should be hoping for a good cricket match, not the surface."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jasprit-bumrah-released-from-indias-squad-ahead-of-fourth-test-bcci-366633" hreflang="en">Jasprit Bumrah released from India's squad ahead of fourth Test: BCCI</a></p>

<p>Ravichandran Ashwin, who recently got 400 Test wickets, explained his cryptic tweet that read: "Products are sold using various marketing strategies and that’s an accepted practice! We now live in an era where ideas are also being sold to us and it’s a classic example of “outbound marketing”, however, I would like to add that buying ideas being sold to us is like telling us."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Products are sold using various marketing strategies and that’s an accepted practice! We now live in an era where ideas are also being sold to us and it’s a classic example of “outbound marketing”, however I would like to add that buying ideas being sold to us is like telling us</p>
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99/status/1365194203219722240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Ashwin explained his tweet by saying: "I went through my timeline, I saw many retweets and quote tweets, I don't understand if they didn't get it what they were retweeting it about. It is very simple, I have always wanted to talk about it at one stage. With respect to thoughts being put across and planted, I find it extremely hilarious. You have a thought process and you want everybody to follow, with thoughts, what happens is you condition people to believe in a certain manner.</p>

<p>"You watch a match, India wins the game, at most everyone is saying I am happy India won the game. You don't want people going back home and saying India is not winning the game, the pitch is winning the game. I do not want people to do that. I think it's important that people sell things, but we must know what we should buy," he added.</p>


Ravichandran Ashwin on Saturday reacted to pitch criticism after India's 10-wicket win over England and said that these talks are getting out of hand. According to Indian spinner, one should talk about the quality of play rather than the pitch.

Ravichandran Ashwin on Saturday reacted to pitch criticism after India's 10-wicket win over England and said that these talks are getting out of hand. According to Indian spinner, one should talk about the quality of play rather than the pitch. ALSO READ: BCCI considering 4-5 venues for IPL 2021 after COVID-19 surge in Mumbai "I think I have said that in the past as well, everyone is entitled to their opinion and I am not here to say that your opinion is right and it is wrong. The fact remains that the talk about the surface is getting out of hand. Why would you talk about the surface and sell that to us time and time again? Is there any instance where the pitch has been talked about this much when we have played games in other countries," said Ashwin while replying to an ANI query during a virtual press conference on Saturday. "I somehow find it funny that when they speak about the surface, it immediately gets quoted all over in our press and this is the issue here. There have been instances, we have been to New Zealand, where both the Tests got over in a total of five days. There is a video doing the rounds where Virat Kohli is talking in South Africa and he says I am not here to talk about the pitch. That is how we have been taught to play cricket, that's why I say let them sell thoughts, buying is our choice," he added. Ashwin further said: "The bowler wins the game, the batsmen need to bat well to score runs. Who defines what a good surface is? Seam on the first day, then bat well in the next couple of days and spin on the last two days, come on, who makes these rules? We need to get over it and if you are asking whether the pitch in the third Test was a good surface, I do not see any players of England coming out and complaining. You should be hoping for a good cricket match, not the surface." ALSO READ: Jasprit Bumrah released from India's squad ahead of fourth Test: BCCI Ravichandran Ashwin, who recently got 400 Test wickets, explained his cryptic tweet that read: "Products are sold using various marketing strategies and that’s an accepted practice! We now live in an era where ideas are also being sold to us and it’s a classic example of “outbound marketing”, however, I would like to add that buying ideas being sold to us is like telling us." Products are sold using various marketing strategies and that’s an accepted practice! We now live in an era where ideas are also being sold to us and it’s a classic example of “outbound marketing”, however I would like to add that buying ideas being sold to us is like telling us — Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) February 26, 2021 × Ashwin explained his tweet by saying: "I went through my timeline, I saw many retweets and quote tweets, I don't understand if they didn't get it what they were retweeting it about. It is very simple, I have always wanted to talk about it at one stage. With respect to thoughts being put across and planted, I find it extremely hilarious. You have a thought process and you want everybody to follow, with thoughts, what happens is you condition people to believe in a certain manner. "You watch a match, India wins the game, at most everyone is saying I am happy India won the game. You don't want people going back home and saying India is not winning the game, the pitch is winning the game. I do not want people to do that. I think it's important that people sell things, but we must know what we should buy," he added.

'We must know what we should buy': Ravichandran Ashwin's explosive take on pitch criticism

<p>India go 2-1 up in the four-match series after beating England by 10 wickets at the brand new Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/axar-ashwin-bamboozle-england-as-india-win-pink-ball-test-by-10-wickets-take-2-1-lead-in-the-series-366243">Axar-Ashwin bamboozle England as India win pink-ball Test by 10 wickets</a></p>

<p>Twitteratis reacted to India's massive win over England. While most of them congratulated Team India for the win, there were few who questioned the pitch and the length of the match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Take a look at some of the reactions on social media:&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImRo45</a> wins it with a big six. He is my man of the match <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRitika45?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImRitika45</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsENG_2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsENG_2021</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/JImeo1ebgM">pic.twitter.com/JImeo1ebgM</a></p>
— Vishal Dogra (@Mastishhk) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mastishhk/status/1364946299502489600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India were better. Players with better skillsets and temperament always shine. A 1.6-day test match from the newly built <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MoteraStadium?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MoteraStadium</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a></p>
— Ashwin Ravi (@ashwin_ravi07) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwin_ravi07/status/1364946290128211969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Stadium ka naam hi Narendra Modi tha, haar kaise sakti thi India. 🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a></p>
— Patrick Jane (@_vaibhavjain) <a href="https://twitter.com/_vaibhavjain/status/1364946288647819284?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Within 2 days!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> not <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAFG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAFG</a>, for example... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Motera?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Motera</a> <a href="https://t.co/sOgvuMyQmH">https://t.co/sOgvuMyQmH</a></p>
— Lokendra Pratap Sahi (@lpsahi) <a href="https://twitter.com/lpsahi/status/1364946286160404481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Last Indian to finish a Test match with a six against England <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/0o3ZMacSP9">pic.twitter.com/0o3ZMacSP9</a></p>
— Shashank (@AFCShanx) <a href="https://twitter.com/AFCShanx/status/1364946277469880326?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">India Winning a Test match by 10 Wickets<br />
<br />
vs PAK (1952)<br />
vs PAK (1980)<br />
vs NZ (1988)<br />
vs ENG (2001)<br />
vs ZIM (2005)<br />
vs NZ (2009)<br />
vs BAN (2010)<br />
vs WI (2018)<br />
vs ENG (Today)*<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a></p>
— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) <a href="https://twitter.com/Shebas_10dulkar/status/1364946285426470914?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">what about the people who bought tickets of Day 3,4 and 5 of Test Match <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a></p>
— Himanshu Kishor Dubey 🇮🇳 (@mrhimanshud) <a href="https://twitter.com/mrhimanshud/status/1364946254577377282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Not at all a competitive pitch.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a></p>
— Arpit Richhariya (@ArpitRichhariya) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArpitRichhariya/status/1364946293743878156?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Former England skipper Kevin Pietersen also congratulated Team India for the win.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Ek match ke liye aesa wicket theek hai jaha ballebaaz ki skill aur takaneek ka test hota hai . LEKIN main iss tara ka wicket aur nahi dekhna chahta aur mujhe lagta hai ki saare khiladi bhi nahi chahte . Bohut ache , india 🇮🇳 🙏</p>
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) <a href="https://twitter.com/KP24/status/1364945719812055041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>This is for the second time that Team India have beaten a team within the first two days of a 5-day match. Before this, India defeated Afghanistan within two days in 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ashwin and Axar bowled 30 overs in tandem and picked up nine wickets. Washington Sundar was given his first over of the match and the youngster scalped a wicket in his fourth delivery to bundle out England for just 81.</p>

<p>With a target of 49 onboard, Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill played their strokes and finished the match in the third innings of Day 2.</p>

<p>India, with the thumping win, take a 2-1 lead into the four-Test series and will be looking to wrap up the series and a spot in the ICC World Test Championship final when they take the field for the fourth Test at the same venue, starting from March 4.&nbsp;</p>


India go 2-1 up in the four-match series after beating England by 10 wickets at the brand new Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday. ALSO READ: Axar-Ashwin bamboozle England as India win pink-ball Test by 10 wickets Twitteratis reacted to India's massive win over England.

India go 2-1 up in the four-match series after beating England by 10 wickets at the brand new Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday. ALSO READ: Axar-Ashwin bamboozle England as India win pink-ball Test by 10 wickets Twitteratis reacted to India's massive win over England. While most of them congratulated Team India for the win, there were few who questioned the pitch and the length of the match. Take a look at some of the reactions on social media: @ImRo45 wins it with a big six. He is my man of the match @ImRitika45 #INDvENG #INDvsENG #INDvsENG_2021 #Cricket pic.twitter.com/JImeo1ebgM — Vishal Dogra (@Mastishhk) February 25, 2021 × India were better. Players with better skillsets and temperament always shine. A 1.6-day test match from the newly built #MoteraStadium.#INDvENG — Ashwin Ravi (@ashwin_ravi07) February 25, 2021 × Stadium ka naam hi Narendra Modi tha, haar kaise sakti thi India. 🇮🇳 #INDvENG — Patrick Jane (@_vaibhavjain) February 25, 2021 × Within 2 days!!! #INDvENG not #INDvAFG, for example... #Motera https://t.co/sOgvuMyQmH — Lokendra Pratap Sahi (@lpsahi) February 25, 2021 × Last Indian to finish a Test match with a six against England #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/0o3ZMacSP9 — Shashank (@AFCShanx) February 25, 2021 × India Winning a Test match by 10 Wickets vs PAK (1952) vs PAK (1980) vs NZ (1988) vs ENG (2001) vs ZIM (2005) vs NZ (2009) vs BAN (2010) vs WI (2018) vs ENG (Today)*#INDvENG — 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) February 25, 2021 × what about the people who bought tickets of Day 3,4 and 5 of Test Match #INDvENG — Himanshu Kishor Dubey 🇮🇳 (@mrhimanshud) February 25, 2021 × Not at all a competitive pitch.#INDvENG — Arpit Richhariya (@ArpitRichhariya) February 25, 2021 × Former England skipper Kevin Pietersen also congratulated Team India for the win. Ek match ke liye aesa wicket theek hai jaha ballebaaz ki skill aur takaneek ka test hota hai . LEKIN main iss tara ka wicket aur nahi dekhna chahta aur mujhe lagta hai ki saare khiladi bhi nahi chahte . Bohut ache , india 🇮🇳 🙏 — Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) February 25, 2021 × This is for the second time that Team India have beaten a team within the first two days of a 5-day match. Before this, India defeated Afghanistan within two days in 2018. Ashwin and Axar bowled 30 overs in tandem and picked up nine wickets. Washington Sundar was given his first over of the match and the youngster scalped a wicket in his fourth delivery to bundle out England for just 81. With a target of 49 onboard, Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill played their strokes and finished the match in the third innings of Day 2. India, with the thumping win, take a 2-1 lead into the four-Test series and will be looking to wrap up the series and a spot in the ICC World Test Championship final when they take the field for the fourth Test at the same venue, starting from March 4.

Netizens overjoyed by India's 10-wicket victory over England

<p class="MsoNormal">India completed an eventful Day 1 of the pink-ball Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad with the hosts finishing the day at 99/3 after bundling England out for a paltry 112. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Having opted to bat first after winning the toss, England lost opener, Dom Sibley, for a duck as Ishant Sharma, playing his 100<sup>th</sup> Test match, drew the first blood for India. Jonny Bairstow, who came into the playing XI after missing the first two Tests, had a nightmare start as local boy Axar Patel trapped him plumb, ending his nine-delivery stay at the crease. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">While Crawley and Joe Root looked like stitching a partnership for the visitors, veteran Ravichandran Ashwin got the better of the English skipper and sent him packing for a 37-ball 17. Axar, who was playing his second Test, then dismissed Crawley for 53 before dismissing Ben Stokes for six.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/umpire-sanitises-pink-ball-after-ben-stokes-applies-saliva-during-3rd-test-vs-india-366009" hreflang="en">Umpire sanitises pink-ball after Ben Stokes applies saliva during 3rd Test vs India</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The lights are ON &amp; what a spectacle the Narendra Modi Stadium is 👌🏻😍.<a href="https://twitter.com/GCAMotera?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GCAMotera</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Paytm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Paytm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PinkBallTest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PinkBallTest</a> <a href="https://t.co/4rYT7ujOIh">pic.twitter.com/4rYT7ujOIh</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1364577761533157382?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Ashwin and Axar bowling in tandem was too much to handle for England on a hot day in Ahmedabad as the spin duo kept on chipping with wickets and wrapped up the visitors within the first two sessions of Day 1. England could manage just 112 runs in what could be termed as an unforgettable day for them.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-3rd-test-fan-breaches-security-and-runs-onto-ground-during-pink-ball-test-366006" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG, 3rd Test: Fan breaches security and runs onto ground during pink ball Test</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Just before the sunset, Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill walked out to bat for India. With the experience of James Anderson and Stuart Broad into the play in the twilight phase, both Rohit and Gill started their inning on a cautious note. With Anderson swinging the new ball, Gill struggled to get on with his innings and was dismissed for 11 by Jofra Archer. Cheteshwar Pujara was trapped LBW by Jack Leach as the left-arm spinner got into the groove under the lights. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">While Virat Kohli looked settled, he was dismissed for 27 by Leach following a poor shot. Rohit Sharma completed his half-century with Ajinkya Rahane also unbeaten at one at the end of Day 1’s play.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>India Fall of wickets: </strong>33-1 (Shubman Gill, 14.6), 34-2 (Cheteshwar Pujara, 15.5), 98-3 (Virat Kohli, 32.2)<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>England Fall of Wickets:</strong> 2-1 (D Sibley, 2.3), 27-2 (Bairstow, 6.1), 74-3 (Root, 21.5), 80-4 (Zak Crawley, 24.4), 81-5 (Ollie Pope, 27.4), 81-6 (Stokes, 28.5), 93-7 (Jofra Archer, 34.2), 98-8 (Jack Leach, 37.3), 105-9 (Broad, 46.3), 112-10 (Foakes, 48.4)<o:p></o:p></p>


India completed an eventful Day 1 of the pink-ball Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad with the hosts finishing the day at 99/3 after bundling England out for a paltry 112.

India completed an eventful Day 1 of the pink-ball Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad with the hosts finishing the day at 99/3 after bundling England out for a paltry 112. Having opted to bat first after winning the toss, England lost opener, Dom Sibley, for a duck as Ishant Sharma, playing his 100th Test match, drew the first blood for India. Jonny Bairstow, who came into the playing XI after missing the first two Tests, had a nightmare start as local boy Axar Patel trapped him plumb, ending his nine-delivery stay at the crease. While Crawley and Joe Root looked like stitching a partnership for the visitors, veteran Ravichandran Ashwin got the better of the English skipper and sent him packing for a 37-ball 17. Axar, who was playing his second Test, then dismissed Crawley for 53 before dismissing Ben Stokes for six. ALSO READ: Umpire sanitises pink-ball after Ben Stokes applies saliva during 3rd Test vs India The lights are ON & what a spectacle the Narendra Modi Stadium is 👌🏻😍.@GCAMotera @Paytm #INDvENG #TeamIndia #PinkBallTest pic.twitter.com/4rYT7ujOIh — BCCI (@BCCI) February 24, 2021 × Ashwin and Axar bowling in tandem was too much to handle for England on a hot day in Ahmedabad as the spin duo kept on chipping with wickets and wrapped up the visitors within the first two sessions of Day 1. England could manage just 112 runs in what could be termed as an unforgettable day for them. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG, 3rd Test: Fan breaches security and runs onto ground during pink ball Test Just before the sunset, Indian openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill walked out to bat for India. With the experience of James Anderson and Stuart Broad into the play in the twilight phase, both Rohit and Gill started their inning on a cautious note. With Anderson swinging the new ball, Gill struggled to get on with his innings and was dismissed for 11 by Jofra Archer. Cheteshwar Pujara was trapped LBW by Jack Leach as the left-arm spinner got into the groove under the lights. While Virat Kohli looked settled, he was dismissed for 27 by Leach following a poor shot. Rohit Sharma completed his half-century with Ajinkya Rahane also unbeaten at one at the end of Day 1’s play. India Fall of wickets: 33-1 (Shubman Gill, 14.6), 34-2 (Cheteshwar Pujara, 15.5), 98-3 (Virat Kohli, 32.2) England Fall of Wickets: 2-1 (D Sibley, 2.3), 27-2 (Bairstow, 6.1), 74-3 (Root, 21.5), 80-4 (Zak Crawley, 24.4), 81-5 (Ollie Pope, 27.4), 81-6 (Stokes, 28.5), 93-7 (Jofra Archer, 34.2), 98-8 (Jack Leach, 37.3), 105-9 (Broad, 46.3), 112-10 (Foakes, 48.4)

Axar Patel, Rohit Sharma help India take advantage in pink-ball Test vs England

<p>It has been an eventful Day 1 for the pink ball Test match between India and England at the world's largest cricket stadium. The match is being played in the presence of 55,000 fans (50 per cent capacity).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-watch-virat-kohli-loses-cool-over-ben-stokes-during-pink-ball-test-365975" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG- WATCH: Virat Kohli loses cool over Ben Stokes during pink ball Test</a></p>

<p>With emotions running high, one of the fans breached the security to run onto the ground. Looking at the fan running towards the pitch, Indian skipper Virat Kohli quickly moved away from him. Observing Kohli's reaction the fan decided to run back into the stands.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident was captured by WION's reporter, who is present at the Narendra Modi Stadium covering the third Test match.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Fan breaches security to run onto the ground. Virat Kohli instantly moves away from him. Looking at it, the fan ran back. Crowd roars.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/RUzlZJ9E8e">pic.twitter.com/RUzlZJ9E8e</a></p>
— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricSubhayan/status/1364596008194355205?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>India stayed on top on Day 1 of the third Test against England. Local boy Axar Patel bagged six wickets to restrict visitors to 112 runs. England Opener Zak Crawley scored the most runs for the team (53 runs).&nbsp;</p>

<p>India will now look to play the twilight phase with cautiousness and get a good total on board. With the series locked at 1-1, India would be itching to take a series lead heading into the final Test, which will be played at the same venue – Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.</p>


It has been an eventful Day 1 for the pink ball Test match between India and England at the world's largest cricket stadium. The match is being played in the presence of 55,000 fans (50 per cent capacity).

It has been an eventful Day 1 for the pink ball Test match between India and England at the world's largest cricket stadium. The match is being played in the presence of 55,000 fans (50 per cent capacity). ALSO READ: IND vs ENG- WATCH: Virat Kohli loses cool over Ben Stokes during pink ball Test With emotions running high, one of the fans breached the security to run onto the ground. Looking at the fan running towards the pitch, Indian skipper Virat Kohli quickly moved away from him. Observing Kohli's reaction the fan decided to run back into the stands. The incident was captured by WION's reporter, who is present at the Narendra Modi Stadium covering the third Test match. Fan breaches security to run onto the ground. Virat Kohli instantly moves away from him. Looking at it, the fan ran back. Crowd roars.#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/RUzlZJ9E8e — Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) February 24, 2021 × India stayed on top on Day 1 of the third Test against England. Local boy Axar Patel bagged six wickets to restrict visitors to 112 runs. England Opener Zak Crawley scored the most runs for the team (53 runs). India will now look to play the twilight phase with cautiousness and get a good total on board. With the series locked at 1-1, India would be itching to take a series lead heading into the final Test, which will be played at the same venue – Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

IND vs ENG, 3rd Test: Fan breaches security and runs onto ground during pink ball Test

<p class="MsoNormal">Indian spinners Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin wreaked havoc against England on Day 1 of the pink-ball Test. While Axar, the local boy, scalped six wickets, Ashwin returned with three wickets to restrict England for a mere 112 in the first innings. Former England captain Michael Vaughan took to social media platform Twitter as he lamented on visitors’ poor batting performance in the third Test.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Talking to the micro-blogging platform, Vaughan said that the non-spinning deliveries by Ashwin and Axar hurt Engladn the most while adding the visitors just don’t have enough skilled players to play in Indian conditions. He further said that the scars from the second Test in Chennai are still haunting England.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-explains-the-reason-behind-dropping-kuldeep-yadav-from-pink-ball-test-vs-england-365932" hreflang="en">Virat Kohli explains the reason behind dropping Kuldeep Yadav from pink-ball Test vs England</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:107%;
font-family:&quot;Helvetica&quot;,sans-serif;color:#222222;background:white">Best figures by a spinner in D/N Tests</span></b><br style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;
text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;
text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:
0px" />
<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;
orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;
text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;
float:none;word-spacing:0px"><span style="background:white"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;
text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;
text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;float:none;
word-spacing:0px">8/49 Devendra Bishoo v Pak Dubai 2016/17</span></span><br style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;
text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;
text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:
0px" />
<em><span style="background:white"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;
font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;
text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;
float:none;word-spacing:0px">6/38 AXAR PATEL v Eng Ahmedabad 2020/21 *</span></span></em><br style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;
text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;
text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:
0px" />
<span style="background:white"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;
font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;
text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;
float:none;word-spacing:0px">6/184 Yasir Shah v SL Dubai 2017/18</span></span></span><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">“It’s the non-spinning deliveries that England haven’t been able to play ... Scars from the 2nd Test me thinks ... England just don’t have enough skilled players in these conditions ... #INDvENG,” Vaughan tweeted.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It’s the non spinning deliveries that England haven’t been able to play ... Scars from the 2nd Test me thinks ... England just don’t have enough skilled players in these conditions ... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a></p>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1364556199463632896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>England were mediocre at best against India’s spin duo with opener Zak Crawley being the highest-run scorer for the visitors (53). Apart from Crawley, none of the England batters could even cross the 20-run mark as they bundled out for 112 runs.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kl-rahul-has-calm-demeanor-as-captain-excited-to-play-for-punjab-kings-jalaj-saxena-365908" hreflang="en">KL Rahul has calm demeanor as captain, excited to play for Punjab Kings: Jalaj Saxena</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:10.5pt;line-height:107%;
font-family:&quot;Helvetica&quot;,sans-serif;color:#222222;background:white">Lowest totals for England vs India</span></b><br style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;
text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;
text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:
0px" />
<span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;
orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;
text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;
float:none;word-spacing:0px"><span style="background:white"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;
text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;
text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;float:none;
word-spacing:0px">101 The Oval 1971</span></span><br style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;
font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;
text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;
word-spacing:0px" />
<span style="background:white"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;
font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;
text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;
float:none;word-spacing:0px">102 Mumbai WS 1979/80</span></span><br style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;
text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;
text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:
0px" />
<span style="background:white"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;
font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;
text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;
float:none;word-spacing:0px">102 Leeds 1986</span></span><br style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;
font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;
text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;
word-spacing:0px" />
<em><span style="background:white"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;
font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;
text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;
float:none;word-spacing:0px">112 Ahmedabad 2020/21 *</span></span></em><br style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;
text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;text-decoration-thickness: initial;
text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;word-spacing:
0px" />
<span style="background:white"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;
font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;
text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;
float:none;word-spacing:0px">128 Leeds 1986</span></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;font-variant-caps: normal;
orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;
text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;
float:none;word-spacing:0px"><span style="background:white"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal;
font-variant-caps: normal;orphans: 2;text-align:start;widows: 2;-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;
text-decoration-thickness: initial;text-decoration-style: initial;text-decoration-color: initial;
float:none;word-spacing:0px">India will now look to play the twilight phase with cautiousness and get a good total on board. With the series locked at 1-1, India would be itching to take a series lead heading into the final Test, which will be played at the same venue – Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>


Indian spinners Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin wreaked havoc against England on Day 1 of the pink-ball Test. While Axar, the local boy, scalped six wickets, Ashwin returned with three wickets to restrict England for a mere 112 in the first innings.

Indian spinners Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin wreaked havoc against England on Day 1 of the pink-ball Test. While Axar, the local boy, scalped six wickets, Ashwin returned with three wickets to restrict England for a mere 112 in the first innings. Former England captain Michael Vaughan took to social media platform Twitter as he lamented on visitors’ poor batting performance in the third Test. Talking to the micro-blogging platform, Vaughan said that the non-spinning deliveries by Ashwin and Axar hurt Engladn the most while adding the visitors just don’t have enough skilled players to play in Indian conditions. He further said that the scars from the second Test in Chennai are still haunting England. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli explains the reason behind dropping Kuldeep Yadav from pink-ball Test vs England Best figures by a spinner in D/N Tests 8/49 Devendra Bishoo v Pak Dubai 2016/17 6/38 AXAR PATEL v Eng Ahmedabad 2020/21 * 6/184 Yasir Shah v SL Dubai 2017/18 “It’s the non-spinning deliveries that England haven’t been able to play ... Scars from the 2nd Test me thinks ... England just don’t have enough skilled players in these conditions ... #INDvENG,” Vaughan tweeted. It’s the non spinning deliveries that England haven’t been able to play ... Scars from the 2nd Test me thinks ... England just don’t have enough skilled players in these conditions ... #INDvENG — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 24, 2021 × England were mediocre at best against India’s spin duo with opener Zak Crawley being the highest-run scorer for the visitors (53). Apart from Crawley, none of the England batters could even cross the 20-run mark as they bundled out for 112 runs. ALSO READ: KL Rahul has calm demeanor as captain, excited to play for Punjab Kings: Jalaj Saxena Lowest totals for England vs India 101 The Oval 1971 102 Mumbai WS 1979/80 102 Leeds 1986 112 Ahmedabad 2020/21 * 128 Leeds 1986 India will now look to play the twilight phase with cautiousness and get a good total on board. With the series locked at 1-1, India would be itching to take a series lead heading into the final Test, which will be played at the same venue – Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

'Scars from the 2nd Test...': Michael Vaughan left unimpressed by poor batting show by England

<p>After being bundled out on 112, England are&nbsp;under immense pressure to bounce in the on-going pink-ball Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/scars-from-the-2nd-test-michael-vaughan-left-unimpressed-by-poor-batting-show-by-england-365945" hreflang="en">'Scars from the 2nd Test...': Michael Vaughan left unimpressed by poor batting show by England</a></p>

<p>However, during the second over of the Indian innings, an incident took place that left the whole England side, including Ben Stokes, disappointed. Gill caught a low edge off Broad's delivery carrying the ball to the second slip (Ben Stokes).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Umpires referred the decision to the TV umpire after giving the soft signal, out. However, the decision was overturned as it was found that a bit of the ball was touching the ground. The English side were visibly&nbsp;disappointed after the decision.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Netizens, however, trolled the English all-rounder for appealing for the catch despite the ball touching the ground.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It's clearly touching the ground. I don't know why Ben Stokes even appealed for that one. Joe Root getting disappointed for no reason. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/6dNaPj4nyc">pic.twitter.com/6dNaPj4nyc</a></p>
— UrMiL07™ (@urmilpatel30) <a href="https://twitter.com/urmilpatel30/status/1364563787399979009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a><br />
<br />
I want confidence like Ben STOKES 😑🙏.. <a href="https://t.co/HjTEv1SS9p">pic.twitter.com/HjTEv1SS9p</a></p>
— Maxtern (@Maxtern_monk) <a href="https://twitter.com/Maxtern_monk/status/1364567973864771585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">ben stokes claimed this as "safe catch" and these people have invented this game. 👏 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/EEHcOYeUaT">pic.twitter.com/EEHcOYeUaT</a></p>
— Neeche Se Topper (@NeecheSeTopper) <a href="https://twitter.com/NeecheSeTopper/status/1364565008915435530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Feel disappointed that I was a fan of this fraud so called best all rounder in the world Ben Stokes.<br />
All talk, no show. Sir Jadeja way clear of this fraud.... <a href="https://t.co/1UdK6igBjW">pic.twitter.com/1UdK6igBjW</a></p>
— Environmentalist Ethan Hunt (@theshivansh_p) <a href="https://twitter.com/theshivansh_p/status/1364572024098615300?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Indians fans to Ben Stokes right now :<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/J3sJvJnEUf">pic.twitter.com/J3sJvJnEUf</a></p>
— Gaurav Gupta (@g48660305) <a href="https://twitter.com/g48660305/status/1364570928231849985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


After being bundled out on 112, England are under immense pressure to bounce in the on-going pink-ball Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday. ALSO READ: 'Scars from the 2nd Test.

After being bundled out on 112, England are under immense pressure to bounce in the on-going pink-ball Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday. ALSO READ: 'Scars from the 2nd Test...': Michael Vaughan left unimpressed by poor batting show by England However, during the second over of the Indian innings, an incident took place that left the whole England side, including Ben Stokes, disappointed. Gill caught a low edge off Broad's delivery carrying the ball to the second slip (Ben Stokes). Umpires referred the decision to the TV umpire after giving the soft signal, out. However, the decision was overturned as it was found that a bit of the ball was touching the ground. The English side were visibly disappointed after the decision. Netizens, however, trolled the English all-rounder for appealing for the catch despite the ball touching the ground. It's clearly touching the ground. I don't know why Ben Stokes even appealed for that one. Joe Root getting disappointed for no reason. #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/6dNaPj4nyc — UrMiL07™ (@urmilpatel30) February 24, 2021 × #INDvENG I want confidence like Ben STOKES 😑🙏.. pic.twitter.com/HjTEv1SS9p — Maxtern (@Maxtern_monk) February 24, 2021 × ben stokes claimed this as "safe catch" and these people have invented this game. 👏 #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/EEHcOYeUaT — Neeche Se Topper (@NeecheSeTopper) February 24, 2021 × Feel disappointed that I was a fan of this fraud so called best all rounder in the world Ben Stokes. All talk, no show. Sir Jadeja way clear of this fraud.... pic.twitter.com/1UdK6igBjW — Environmentalist Ethan Hunt (@theshivansh_p) February 24, 2021 × Indians fans to Ben Stokes right now :#INDvENG pic.twitter.com/J3sJvJnEUf — Gaurav Gupta (@g48660305) February 24, 2021 ×

IND vs ENG, 3rd Test: Netizens troll Ben Stokes for catch appeal despite ball touching the ground

<p>The Motera Cricket Stadium will be renamed as Narendra Modi Stadium ahead of the 3rd Test between India and England.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO SEE:&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/olympic-size-swimming-pool-dressing-room-with-gyms-11-centre-pitches-complete-guide-to-worlds-largest-cricket-stadium-in-ahmedabad-365397">Olympic size swimming pool, dressing room with gyms, 11 centre pitches: Complete guide to world's largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad</a></p>

<p>The world's largest cricket stadium was inaugurated by Indian President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday after performing ‘bhumi pujan’ ahead of the pink ball Test between India and England.&nbsp;</p>

<h6><img alt="ll" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6babf4f4-7665-4587-b366-6abfcb830df6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Capture_47.JPG" /><br />
Photo courtesy: ANI</h6>

<p>Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BCCI secretary Jay Shah and Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju were also present at the ceremony.</p>

<p>The stadium has shattered the record books to register itself as the world’s largest cricket stadium with a seating capacity of a whopping 1,10,000 – 10,000 more than the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The world’s largest cricket stadium boasts 11 centre strips, which itself is unique along with four dressing rooms that are connected to the in-built gymnasium. "This is the only stadium in the world with 11 centre pitches on the main ground. Also, we are the only stadium in the world with the same soil being used for practice as well as centre strips," GCA joint secretary Patel said.</p>


The Motera Cricket Stadium will be renamed as Narendra Modi Stadium ahead of the 3rd Test between India and England. ALSO SEE: Olympic size swimming pool, dressing room with gyms, 11 centre pitches: Complete guide to world's largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad The world's largest cricket stadium was inaugurated by Indian President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday after performing ‘bhumi pujan’ ahead of the pink ball Test between India and England.

The Motera Cricket Stadium will be renamed as Narendra Modi Stadium ahead of the 3rd Test between India and England. ALSO SEE: Olympic size swimming pool, dressing room with gyms, 11 centre pitches: Complete guide to world's largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad The world's largest cricket stadium was inaugurated by Indian President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday after performing ‘bhumi pujan’ ahead of the pink ball Test between India and England. Photo courtesy: ANI Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BCCI secretary Jay Shah and Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju were also present at the ceremony. The stadium has shattered the record books to register itself as the world’s largest cricket stadium with a seating capacity of a whopping 1,10,000 – 10,000 more than the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia. The world’s largest cricket stadium boasts 11 centre strips, which itself is unique along with four dressing rooms that are connected to the in-built gymnasium. "This is the only stadium in the world with 11 centre pitches on the main ground. Also, we are the only stadium in the world with the same soil being used for practice as well as centre strips," GCA joint secretary Patel said.

Motera Cricket Stadium to be renamed as Narendra Modi Stadium ahead of pink ball Test

<p>Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be inaugurating the world's largest cricket stadium on Wednesday. The stadium is the venue for the much-awaited pink-ball Test between India and England.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO SEE:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-signed-bats-to-historic-photos-inside-the-hall-of-fame-zone-of-motera-cricket-stadium-365726" hreflang="en">From signed bats to historic photos: Inside the 'Hall of Fame' zone of Motera Cricket Stadium</a></p>

<p>The Motera stadium has shattered the record books to register itself as the world’s largest cricket stadium with a seating capacity of a whopping 1,10,000 – 10,000 more than the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The world’s largest cricket stadium boasts 11 centre strips, which itself is unique along with four dressing rooms that are connected to the in-built gymnasium. "This is the only stadium in the world with 11 centre pitches on the main ground. Also, we are the only stadium in the world with the same soil being used for practice as well as centre strips," GCA joint secretary Patel said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO SEE:&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/olympic-size-swimming-pool-dressing-room-with-gyms-11-centre-pitches-complete-guide-to-worlds-largest-cricket-stadium-in-ahmedabad-365397">Olympic size swimming pool, dressing room with gyms, 11 centre pitches: Complete guide to world's largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad</a></p>

<p>The Sardar Patel Stadium also has a state-of-the-art drainage system to help the ground dry up quickly in case of heavy rain. It is being claimed that even in case of 8cm rainfall during a match, there are bleak chances of the match being cancelled out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With 50 per cent crowd capacity allowed for the third and fourth Test between India and England, the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad will host as many as 55,000 spectators for the much-awaited day-night Test between India and England.&nbsp;</p>


Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be inaugurating the world's largest cricket stadium on Wednesday. The stadium is the venue for the much-awaited pink-ball Test between India and England.

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind and Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be inaugurating the world's largest cricket stadium on Wednesday. The stadium is the venue for the much-awaited pink-ball Test between India and England. ALSO SEE: From signed bats to historic photos: Inside the 'Hall of Fame' zone of Motera Cricket Stadium The Motera stadium has shattered the record books to register itself as the world’s largest cricket stadium with a seating capacity of a whopping 1,10,000 – 10,000 more than the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia. The world’s largest cricket stadium boasts 11 centre strips, which itself is unique along with four dressing rooms that are connected to the in-built gymnasium. "This is the only stadium in the world with 11 centre pitches on the main ground. Also, we are the only stadium in the world with the same soil being used for practice as well as centre strips," GCA joint secretary Patel said. ALSO SEE: Olympic size swimming pool, dressing room with gyms, 11 centre pitches: Complete guide to world's largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad The Sardar Patel Stadium also has a state-of-the-art drainage system to help the ground dry up quickly in case of heavy rain. It is being claimed that even in case of 8cm rainfall during a match, there are bleak chances of the match being cancelled out. With 50 per cent crowd capacity allowed for the third and fourth Test between India and England, the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad will host as many as 55,000 spectators for the much-awaited day-night Test between India and England.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Home Minister Amit Shah to unveil world's largest cricket stadium at Motera

<p><strong>Upcoming IND vs ENG, 3rd Test - </strong>Team India are set to lock horns with England in the third Test on Wednesday at the Motera Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. Virat and Co. will be high on confidence after a recent win at the Chepauk.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-captain-virat-kohli-eyes-couple-of-huge-records-at-third-test-against-england-365593" hreflang="en">Indian captain Virat Kohli eyes couple of huge records at third Test against England</a></p>

<p>Indian paceman Jasprit Bumrah will return to the playing XI after resting in the second Test match. Umesh Yadav has cleared the necessary fitness Tests and is in contention to play in the pink-ball Test against England, starting February 24 at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad. As a consequence, pacer Shardul Thakur has been released from the Indian squad and will now join his stateside Mumbai for the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/olympic-size-swimming-pool-dressing-room-with-gyms-11-centre-pitches-complete-guide-to-worlds-largest-cricket-stadium-in-ahmedabad-365397" hreflang="en">Olympic size swimming pool, dressing room with gyms, 11 centre pitches: Complete guide to world's largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad</a></p>

<p>Umesh is most likely to come in place of Kuldeep Yadav as Virat and Co. will be going into the match with three pacers and two spinners. Ishant Sharma could be the third pacer for Team India. Ishant Sharma is on the cusp of scripting history as he will become the second Indian pacer, after Kapil Dev, to play 100 Test matches if he starts in the pink-ball Test.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-james-anderson-gives-his-verdict-on-motera-stadiums-pitch-ahead-of-pink-ball-test-365455" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG: James Anderson gives his verdict on Motera Stadium's pitch ahead of pink-ball Test</a></p>

<p>Spin duo Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin are most likely to feature in the third Test. Both of them had a great outing in the second Test against England.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Here's the probable XI for the pink-ball Test:</strong> Virat Kohli (C), Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Chetshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hardik Pandya, R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah</p>

<p><strong>India Squad: </strong>Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Ishant Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Wriddhiman Saha, Umesh Yadav, Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar</p>


Upcoming IND vs ENG, 3rd Test - Team India are set to lock horns with England in the third Test on Wednesday at the Motera Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. Virat and Co.

Upcoming IND vs ENG, 3rd Test - Team India are set to lock horns with England in the third Test on Wednesday at the Motera Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. Virat and Co. will be high on confidence after a recent win at the Chepauk. ALSO READ: Indian captain Virat Kohli eyes couple of huge records at third Test against England Indian paceman Jasprit Bumrah will return to the playing XI after resting in the second Test match. Umesh Yadav has cleared the necessary fitness Tests and is in contention to play in the pink-ball Test against England, starting February 24 at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad. As a consequence, pacer Shardul Thakur has been released from the Indian squad and will now join his stateside Mumbai for the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. IN PICS: Olympic size swimming pool, dressing room with gyms, 11 centre pitches: Complete guide to world's largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad Umesh is most likely to come in place of Kuldeep Yadav as Virat and Co. will be going into the match with three pacers and two spinners. Ishant Sharma could be the third pacer for Team India. Ishant Sharma is on the cusp of scripting history as he will become the second Indian pacer, after Kapil Dev, to play 100 Test matches if he starts in the pink-ball Test. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG: James Anderson gives his verdict on Motera Stadium's pitch ahead of pink-ball Test Spin duo Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin are most likely to feature in the third Test. Both of them had a great outing in the second Test against England. Here's the probable XI for the pink-ball Test: Virat Kohli (C), Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Chetshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hardik Pandya, R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah India Squad: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Ishant Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Wriddhiman Saha, Umesh Yadav, Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar

IND vs ENG, 3rd Test: Umesh in, Kuldeep out? Team India's probable XI for pink-ball Test

<p>Team India are set to lock horns with England in the third Test on Wednesday at the Motera Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. Virat and Co. will be high on confidence after a recent win at the Chepauk.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The much-talked-about T<strong>est series between India and England</strong> is locked at 1-1 following the first two Tests with the next match – pink-ball Test – scheduled to be played at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad from February 24. Team India cannot afford to lose another match as they would bow out of the finals of the World Test Championship.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-3rd-test-umesh-in-kuldeep-out-team-indias-probable-xi-for-pink-ball-test-365678" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG, 3rd Test: Umesh in, Kuldeep out? Team India's probable XI for pink-ball Test</a></p>

<h2><strong>When and what time will India vs England 3rd&nbsp;Test begin?</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Ind vs Eng&nbsp;3rd&nbsp;Test </strong>will start at 2:30 PM IST. The toss will take place at 2:00 PM IST.</p>

<h2><strong>Where will Ind&nbsp;vs Eng 3rd&nbsp;Test take place?</strong></h2>

<p>India vs England 3rd&nbsp;Test match will be held at the Motera Stadium, Ahmedabad.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Which channel will telecast </strong>Ind&nbsp;vs Eng&nbsp;3rd&nbsp;Test<strong> in India?</strong></h2>

<p>India vs England 3rd&nbsp;Test&nbsp;will be live on Star Sports Network.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How to watch the live streaming of </strong>India vs England 3rd&nbsp;Test<strong>?</strong></h2>

<p>Other than the Star Sports Network's platforms, the Ind&nbsp;vs Eng&nbsp;3rd&nbsp;Test&nbsp;match will be streamed on Jio TV and Airtel TV.</p>

<h2><strong>What are the squads for </strong>India vs England 3rd&nbsp;Test<strong>?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p><strong>India Squad:&nbsp;</strong>Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Ishant Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Wriddhiman Saha, Umesh Yadav, Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar</p>

<p><strong>England squad:</strong>&nbsp;Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Daniel Lawrence, Joe Root(c), Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler(w), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jack Leach, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Chris Woakes, Ben Foakes, Olly Stone, Dominic Bess.&nbsp;</p>


Team India are set to lock horns with England in the third Test on Wednesday at the Motera Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. Virat and Co. will be high on confidence after a recent win at the Chepauk.

Team India are set to lock horns with England in the third Test on Wednesday at the Motera Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. Virat and Co. will be high on confidence after a recent win at the Chepauk. The much-talked-about Test series between India and England is locked at 1-1 following the first two Tests with the next match – pink-ball Test – scheduled to be played at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad from February 24. Team India cannot afford to lose another match as they would bow out of the finals of the World Test Championship. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG, 3rd Test: Umesh in, Kuldeep out? Team India's probable XI for pink-ball Test When and what time will India vs England 3rd Test begin? Ind vs Eng 3rd Test will start at 2:30 PM IST. The toss will take place at 2:00 PM IST. Where will Ind vs Eng 3rd Test take place? India vs England 3rd Test match will be held at the Motera Stadium, Ahmedabad. Which channel will telecast Ind vs Eng 3rd Test in India? India vs England 3rd Test will be live on Star Sports Network. How to watch the live streaming of India vs England 3rd Test? Other than the Star Sports Network's platforms, the Ind vs Eng 3rd Test match will be streamed on Jio TV and Airtel TV. What are the squads for India vs England 3rd Test? India Squad: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli(c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Ishant Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Wriddhiman Saha, Umesh Yadav, Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Washington Sundar England squad: Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Daniel Lawrence, Joe Root(c), Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler(w), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jack Leach, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Chris Woakes, Ben Foakes, Olly Stone, Dominic Bess.

IND vs ENG, 3rd Test Live Streaming: When and where to watch the pink-ball Test?

From Virat Kohli to Jasprit Bumrah: Team India breaks sweat ahead of Motera Test

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{b1f40426-a5a4-4b76-be2f-cf02f7a87cf0}{98}" paraid="441040435" >England pacer James Anderson on Monday gave his verdict on the pitch at the&nbsp;Motera&nbsp;Stadium in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;Anderson, ahead of the pink-ball Test, said that while the pitch still has a bit of grass on it, he is expecting it to be trimmed off when they turn up on match-day.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2df2c67f-35cf-40db-9e86-6ad9e774fc45}{171}" paraid="1138024443" >However, Anderson said as pace bowlers, they have to be prepared to bowl in any conditions and still have a job to do if the ball doesn’t swing. The pitch for the second Test in Chennai was subjected to plenty of criticism from overseas pundits as the likes of Michael Vaughan and Mark Waugh&nbsp;slammed it for being a turner from Day 1.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{3af458e0-b982-4050-be92-a1b963df372a}{166}" paraid="2074530917" >“The pitch, it has got grass on it but I am pretty sure it’s not going to be there when we turn up on the match day,” Anderson said with a wry smile during a virtual conference on Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pitchwatch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#pitchwatch</a> two days out from the third <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> Test in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ahmedabad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ahmedabad</a>... <a href="https://t.co/YhMojQOCy7">pic.twitter.com/YhMojQOCy7</a></p>
— Brian Murgatroyd (@murgersb) <a href="https://twitter.com/murgersb/status/1363781524965875717?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{056fc23a-393d-4065-99ae-abb719c9ce9d}{85}" paraid="1056230053" >“So&nbsp;we have to wait and watch. As seam bowlers, we have to be prepared to bowl as best we can in any given condition. If it swings, it’s great and if it does not, we still have a job to do,” Anderson said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{056fc23a-393d-4065-99ae-abb719c9ce9d}{85}" paraid="1056230053" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-test-championship-is-like-a-world-cup-for-me-ishant-sharma-ahead-of-his-100th-test-match-for-india-365448" hreflang="en">World Test Championship is like a 'World Cup' for me: Ishant Sharma ahead of his 100th Test match for India</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{056fc23a-393d-4065-99ae-abb719c9ce9d}{94}" paraid="1994572122" >Anderson said that the pink SG Test ball, in the nets, swung more than the red ball but added that as it will be the first day-night Test in India in the month of February, they don’t know what to expect from the conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{0bc755e2-2b59-4cf6-8c15-29c6284ee1c7}{248}" paraid="1221900733" >“Look this is the second pink Test in India and first in February so we don’t know how it would behave.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{59b107ff-29ec-4d91-94bb-f5149985e39f}{119}" paraid="1642881039" >Anderson, 38, was rested from the second Test&nbsp;against&nbsp;India despite picking up five wickets in the first Test. But the veteran urged everyone to see the bigger picture given the hectic schedule England have in the year&nbsp;2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{59b107ff-29ec-4d91-94bb-f5149985e39f}{119}" paraid="1642881039" ><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/olympic-size-swimming-pool-dressing-room-with-gyms-11-centre-pitches-complete-guide-to-worlds-largest-cricket-stadium-in-ahmedabad-365397" hreflang="en">Olympic size swimming pool, dressing room with gyms, 11 centre pitches: Complete guide to world's largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e6d03b05-0fbb-4150-8680-4add3f34ec95}{180}" paraid="927182224" >“I am feeling good and fresh and ready to go again if called upon. It’s frustrating to an extent but I can see the bigger picture with the amount of cricket that we have got.”&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{adfbdab9-520e-44ec-93ed-a5e341717272}{10}" paraid="1575691055" >“It’s the same for all bowlers, not just me. We’ve got 17 Test matches this year and the best way of getting your best players firing for as many of those as possible is to take little rests every now and then.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{adfbdab9-520e-44ec-93ed-a5e341717272}{28}" paraid="1870164218" >“It’s not a case of shielding, it’s just a case of trying to make sure you’re not wearing someone out until they completely break in half.”&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{adfbdab9-520e-44ec-93ed-a5e341717272}{37}" paraid="1400920564" >&nbsp;</p>


England pacer James Anderson on Monday gave his verdict on the pitch at the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad. Anderson, ahead of the pink-ball Test, said that while the pitch still has a bit of grass on it, he is expecting it to be trimmed off when they turn up on match-day.

England pacer James Anderson on Monday gave his verdict on the pitch at the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad. Anderson, ahead of the pink-ball Test, said that while the pitch still has a bit of grass on it, he is expecting it to be trimmed off when they turn up on match-day. However, Anderson said as pace bowlers, they have to be prepared to bowl in any conditions and still have a job to do if the ball doesn’t swing. The pitch for the second Test in Chennai was subjected to plenty of criticism from overseas pundits as the likes of Michael Vaughan and Mark Waugh slammed it for being a turner from Day 1. “The pitch, it has got grass on it but I am pretty sure it’s not going to be there when we turn up on the match day,” Anderson said with a wry smile during a virtual conference on Sunday. #pitchwatch two days out from the third #INDvENG Test in #Ahmedabad... pic.twitter.com/YhMojQOCy7 — Brian Murgatroyd (@murgersb) February 22, 2021 × “So we have to wait and watch. As seam bowlers, we have to be prepared to bowl as best we can in any given condition. If it swings, it’s great and if it does not, we still have a job to do,” Anderson said. ALSO READ: World Test Championship is like a 'World Cup' for me: Ishant Sharma ahead of his 100th Test match for India Anderson said that the pink SG Test ball, in the nets, swung more than the red ball but added that as it will be the first day-night Test in India in the month of February, they don’t know what to expect from the conditions. “Look this is the second pink Test in India and first in February so we don’t know how it would behave.” Anderson, 38, was rested from the second Test against India despite picking up five wickets in the first Test. But the veteran urged everyone to see the bigger picture given the hectic schedule England have in the year 2021. IN PICS | Olympic size swimming pool, dressing room with gyms, 11 centre pitches: Complete guide to world's largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad “I am feeling good and fresh and ready to go again if called upon. It’s frustrating to an extent but I can see the bigger picture with the amount of cricket that we have got.” “It’s the same for all bowlers, not just me. We’ve got 17 Test matches this year and the best way of getting your best players firing for as many of those as possible is to take little rests every now and then. “It’s not a case of shielding, it’s just a case of trying to make sure you’re not wearing someone out until they completely break in half.”

IND vs ENG: James Anderson gives his verdict on Motera Stadium's pitch ahead of pink-ball Test

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{62fc030b-09ae-423c-9d86-85b2b03aa63e}{69}" paraid="123211402" >Umesh Yadav has cleared the necessary fitness Tests and is in contention to play in the pink-ball Test against England, starting February 24 at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;As a consequence, pacer Shardul Thakur has been released from the Indian squad and will now join his state side Mumbai for the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f08b6940-793a-42ef-b970-3bc8c6f3c99c}{108}" paraid="1089589228" >Shardul, in a bid to be available for Mumbai’s next match on Tuesday, decided to travel by car instead of taking a flight as it would have forced him to undergo a mandatory three-day quarantine period.&nbsp;Sharul was released by Team India late on Sunday and the pacer will now travel from Ahmedabad to Jaipur to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{dc2c364b-668d-43c0-a214-d4812485a941}{160}" paraid="1129894670" >“He (Umesh Yadav) has cleared the fitness test as per new guidelines for the Indian players," a source was quoted as saying by&nbsp;Cricbuzz.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{dc2c364b-668d-43c0-a214-d4812485a941}{160}" paraid="1129894670" ><strong>IN PICS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/olympic-size-swimming-pool-dressing-room-with-gyms-11-centre-pitches-complete-guide-to-worlds-largest-cricket-stadium-in-ahmedabad-365397" hreflang="en">Olympic size swimming pool, dressing room with gyms, 11 centre pitches: Complete guide to world's largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{149ded5e-1f6b-4f17-9f8d-7463973c90cd}{113}" paraid="1015057948" >A Team India pacer needs to clock 17.1 in a Yo-Yo Test or run two km in eight-minute and 30 seconds to be eligible to play for India. However, the&nbsp;Cricbuzz&nbsp;report didn’t reveal which&nbsp;of the tests Umesh took.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{bb886cf1-3272-4778-bd56-583059c745cb}{185}" paraid="253443641" >With Umesh cleared to join the squad, the Indian team management is thinking about three-spinners tactics that came into the play in the first two Tests.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{bb886cf1-3272-4778-bd56-583059c745cb}{185}" paraid="253443641" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-get-to-learn-from-virat-kohli-rohit-sharma-suryakumar-yadav-on-maiden-india-call-up-365363" hreflang="en">'Will get to learn from Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma': Suryakumar Yadav on maiden India call-up</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{affa543b-9a95-4070-8bad-454708a26573}{91}" paraid="1011636773" >"We are exploring different scenarios about the Test and the main concern is neither twilight nor the pink ball. It is the dew factor that is a worry and we are thinking how to handle the situation. There is a lot of dew in the evenings and we want to make sure it does not become a major disadvantage," the source said&nbsp;as quoted in the report.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{42f12ed8-822d-4d8b-8c28-c7a7e15695dc}{75}" paraid="643091854" >As things stand, Ishant Sharma and Jasprit&nbsp;Bumrah&nbsp;along with Ravichandran Ashwin are set to start in the pink-ball Test with the likes of Umesh Yadav, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj,&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel, Kuldeep Yadav&nbsp;other bowlers in contention to play the third Test.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


Umesh Yadav has cleared the necessary fitness Tests and is in contention to play in the pink-ball Test against England, starting February 24 at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Umesh Yadav has cleared the necessary fitness Tests and is in contention to play in the pink-ball Test against England, starting February 24 at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad. As a consequence, pacer Shardul Thakur has been released from the Indian squad and will now join his state side Mumbai for the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. Shardul, in a bid to be available for Mumbai’s next match on Tuesday, decided to travel by car instead of taking a flight as it would have forced him to undergo a mandatory three-day quarantine period. Sharul was released by Team India late on Sunday and the pacer will now travel from Ahmedabad to Jaipur to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. “He (Umesh Yadav) has cleared the fitness test as per new guidelines for the Indian players," a source was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. IN PICS: Olympic size swimming pool, dressing room with gyms, 11 centre pitches: Complete guide to world's largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad A Team India pacer needs to clock 17.1 in a Yo-Yo Test or run two km in eight-minute and 30 seconds to be eligible to play for India. However, the Cricbuzz report didn’t reveal which of the tests Umesh took. With Umesh cleared to join the squad, the Indian team management is thinking about three-spinners tactics that came into the play in the first two Tests. ALSO READ: 'Will get to learn from Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma': Suryakumar Yadav on maiden India call-up "We are exploring different scenarios about the Test and the main concern is neither twilight nor the pink ball. It is the dew factor that is a worry and we are thinking how to handle the situation. There is a lot of dew in the evenings and we want to make sure it does not become a major disadvantage," the source said as quoted in the report. As things stand, Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah along with Ravichandran Ashwin are set to start in the pink-ball Test with the likes of Umesh Yadav, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav other bowlers in contention to play the third Test.

Umesh Yadav clears fitness test, in contention to play pink-ball Test vs England

Olympic size swimming pool, dressing room with gyms, 11 centre pitches: Complete guide to world's largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6c694e2b-de8d-4d06-8c57-83467b1a5ef1}{76}" paraid="1837604324" >Former England spinner Graeme Swann reckons veteran pacer James Anderson can swing the ongoing four-Test series in&nbsp;favour&nbsp;of England. The much-talked-about Test series between India and England is locked at 1-1 following the first two Tests with the next match – pink-ball Test – scheduled to be played at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad from February 24.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{6c694e2b-de8d-4d06-8c57-83467b1a5ef1}{93}" paraid="2044287056" >Swann, who has shared the dressing room with Anderson&nbsp;during his 60-Test career, was however baffled with&nbsp;England's decision to rest the paceman in the second Test, which the visitors lost by 317 runs.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{25ee7203-9536-47c7-b63b-d39d25a2840b}{82}" paraid="514811304" >“I believe this series is absolutely on a knife-edge,” said Swann&nbsp;as quoted by Mirror.&nbsp;“It is a brilliant place for England to be, and they've got a great chance to go ahead once more.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{25ee7203-9536-47c7-b63b-d39d25a2840b}{82}" paraid="514811304" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/focus-on-cricket-not-on-pitch-rohit-sharmas-message-to-experts-365259" hreflang="en">Focus on cricket, not on pitch: Rohit Sharma's message to experts</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fc38b5ee-0865-4f5b-8e00-5ed5d8afb7f1}{70}" paraid="938371019" >“I'm full of optimism going into this game, mainly due to Jimmy coming back. He was irrepressible in the first match, and he just keeps defying the odds and gets better and better.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fc38b5ee-0865-4f5b-8e00-5ed5d8afb7f1}{88}" paraid="64878129" >“I do wonder&nbsp;though,&nbsp;Jimmy is coming to the back end of his career and he is bowling better than ever before. What are we shielding him for?&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fc38b5ee-0865-4f5b-8e00-5ed5d8afb7f1}{97}" paraid="520758927" >Swann, lavishing high praise on Anderson, said he is the kingpin of the England pace attack and the line-up should be built around him while adding Anderson should be the first name in the England Test team&nbsp;during the Ashes.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fc38b5ee-0865-4f5b-8e00-5ed5d8afb7f1}{97}" paraid="520758927" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/on-the-cusp-of-100th-test-delhis-lambu-stands-tall-365174" hreflang="en">On the cusp of 100th Test, Delhi's 'lambu' stands tall</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fc38b5ee-0865-4f5b-8e00-5ed5d8afb7f1}{106}" paraid="1194026585" >“Jimmy doesn't get fatigued when he's bowling like this. He is the kingpin of the attack. You build an attack around him. I can't wait to see him go again&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{fc38b5ee-0865-4f5b-8e00-5ed5d8afb7f1}{124}" paraid="1075666800" >“What his plan is for the Ashes later in the year I don't know, but I can't see any reason why you wouldn't have him first name on the team sheet, before Joe Root.”&nbsp;</p>


Former England spinner Graeme Swann reckons veteran pacer James Anderson can swing the ongoing four-Test series in favour of England. The much-talked-about Test series between India and England is locked at 1-1 following the first two Tests with the next match – pink-ball Test – scheduled to be played at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad from February 24.

Former England spinner Graeme Swann reckons veteran pacer James Anderson can swing the ongoing four-Test series in favour of England. The much-talked-about Test series between India and England is locked at 1-1 following the first two Tests with the next match – pink-ball Test – scheduled to be played at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad from February 24. Swann, who has shared the dressing room with Anderson during his 60-Test career, was however baffled with England's decision to rest the paceman in the second Test, which the visitors lost by 317 runs. “I believe this series is absolutely on a knife-edge,” said Swann as quoted by Mirror. “It is a brilliant place for England to be, and they've got a great chance to go ahead once more. ALSO READ: Focus on cricket, not on pitch: Rohit Sharma's message to experts “I'm full of optimism going into this game, mainly due to Jimmy coming back. He was irrepressible in the first match, and he just keeps defying the odds and gets better and better. “I do wonder though, Jimmy is coming to the back end of his career and he is bowling better than ever before. What are we shielding him for? Swann, lavishing high praise on Anderson, said he is the kingpin of the England pace attack and the line-up should be built around him while adding Anderson should be the first name in the England Test team during the Ashes. ALSO READ: On the cusp of 100th Test, Delhi's 'lambu' stands tall “Jimmy doesn't get fatigued when he's bowling like this. He is the kingpin of the attack. You build an attack around him. I can't wait to see him go again “What his plan is for the Ashes later in the year I don't know, but I can't see any reason why you wouldn't have him first name on the team sheet, before Joe Root.”

Graeme Swann names key player for England in the pink-ball Test

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{98a94e0d-f84c-4725-a6ec-35ba714783be}{23}" paraid="885653708" >Rohit Sharma on Sunday responded to the criticism around Indian pitches after a number of former England and Australian cricketers and experts termed the&nbsp;pitch in Chennai for the second Test as "sub-standard". Rohit, ahead of the much-awaited pink-ball Test against England in Ahmedabad, said that home teams are bound to take advantage of their conditions while adding that the Indian team never complains about conditions when they tour overseas.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{98a94e0d-f84c-4725-a6ec-35ba714783be}{32}" paraid="1007487087" >Rohit had a clear message for experts as he said that they should focus on cricket and not the pitches as it is the same for both teams.&nbsp;The limited-overs vice-captain further said that players need to adapt to different conditions and that is the beauty of cricket in the home and away series.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{33108f6a-a17f-4ae1-9dbf-1e79d0801b00}{186}" paraid="1360033068" >"The pitch is the same for both teams. I don't know why there's so much talk about the pitch. People say that the pitch shouldn't be a certain type of way, but they have been like this in India for years. Every team plays to their strengths at home, and similarly, we do what our team prefers in India,” Rohit said in the virtual press conference.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{33108f6a-a17f-4ae1-9dbf-1e79d0801b00}{186}" paraid="1360033068" >"We need to go with our team's preference. That's the meaning of home advantage. Else, just take it away. The ICC should come up with a uniform rule everywhere for pitches in India and outside India. When we go abroad, people make our life difficult. I don't think pitchers should be debated at all. Debates can be held on players, their performances, and how they are batting or bowling, but don't debate pitches. Both teams play on the same pitch and whoever plays better wins."</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2d86d8c2-675d-48b7-abb9-45267f76ec96}{65}" paraid="1006707663" >"As batsmen, we never think about the pitch. We only think about our plans. If it's a turning pitch, whether we have to play the sweep or come down the track. If it's a seaming pitch, whether we have to leave balls, stand outside the crease or play defensively.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2d86d8c2-675d-48b7-abb9-45267f76ec96}{65}" paraid="1006707663" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/can-ashwin-make-a-comeback-in-indias-limited-overs-team-sunil-gavaskar-opines-365187" hreflang="en">Can Ashwin make a comeback in India's limited overs team? Sunil Gavaskar opines</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{33108f6a-a17f-4ae1-9dbf-1e79d0801b00}{221}" paraid="542118060" >"We need to prepare our mind according to the pitch. You are at this level playing for India because you know how to adjust to the conditions. In these challenging conditions, you need to prove that. Team India loves playing in challenging conditions, where things are against you,” Rohit, who slammed a classic 161 in the second Test against England in Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🗣️🗣️ Every team has the right to home advantage, reckons <a href="https://twitter.com/ImRo45?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImRo45</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/Paytm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Paytm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZbF7ufj01M">pic.twitter.com/ZbF7ufj01M</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1363474667152015361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>However, the Indian opener gave a slight hint on what to expect from the pitch in Ahmedabad as he said that it is going to be on similar lines to what the cricket world witnessed in Chennai.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{32911810-8c33-4bac-9784-c3bf0dcf39fc}{237}" paraid="561415723" >"Still, early days to talk about the pitch, I do not see anything changing in the pitch, what we played in the second Test, it is going to be more or less the same, it is going to turn a little, we are preparing according to that, when the day comes, we still need to assess the conditions, it has been a while since a last international game was played here," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{32911810-8c33-4bac-9784-c3bf0dcf39fc}{237}" paraid="561415723" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-would-have-played-t20-world-cup-in-2020-says-former-team-india-selector-365171" hreflang="en">MS Dhoni would have played T20 World Cup in 2020, says former Team India selector</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{23773d21-1cad-4a5d-8ec4-bd326eefa579}{71}" paraid="136954851" >The third match, the pink-ball Test, is set to played at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad – the world's largest stadium. While both England and Indian players have been lavishly praising the facilities in&nbsp;Motera&nbsp;Stadium, Rohit said he cannot wait to see the spectators flocking into&nbsp;the stadium.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{8a9a23ff-9201-4405-bf1c-26e9a924cb7c}{157}" paraid="1065524502" >"It is the largest stadium in the world, we were all excited to come down to the ground and see the outfield, we had a couple of good sessions, the facility looks quite good. We have got a gym inside the&nbsp;ground,&nbsp;it looks a pretty good stadium and I cannot wait to see the spectators coming around and seeing the pink-ball Test."&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{51cb9b64-3a60-49e3-af9c-26a64e367a23}{25}" paraid="1176891258" >With the series firmly locked at 1-1, the Virat Kohli-led side would be looking to take the lead in the four-Test series when they take the field in Ahmedabad on February 24.&nbsp;</p>


Rohit Sharma on Sunday responded to the criticism around Indian pitches after a number of former England and Australian cricketers and experts termed the pitch in Chennai for the second Test as "sub-standard".

Rohit Sharma on Sunday responded to the criticism around Indian pitches after a number of former England and Australian cricketers and experts termed the pitch in Chennai for the second Test as "sub-standard". Rohit, ahead of the much-awaited pink-ball Test against England in Ahmedabad, said that home teams are bound to take advantage of their conditions while adding that the Indian team never complains about conditions when they tour overseas. Rohit had a clear message for experts as he said that they should focus on cricket and not the pitches as it is the same for both teams. The limited-overs vice-captain further said that players need to adapt to different conditions and that is the beauty of cricket in the home and away series. "The pitch is the same for both teams. I don't know why there's so much talk about the pitch. People say that the pitch shouldn't be a certain type of way, but they have been like this in India for years. Every team plays to their strengths at home, and similarly, we do what our team prefers in India,” Rohit said in the virtual press conference. "We need to go with our team's preference. That's the meaning of home advantage. Else, just take it away. The ICC should come up with a uniform rule everywhere for pitches in India and outside India. When we go abroad, people make our life difficult. I don't think pitchers should be debated at all. Debates can be held on players, their performances, and how they are batting or bowling, but don't debate pitches. Both teams play on the same pitch and whoever plays better wins." "As batsmen, we never think about the pitch. We only think about our plans. If it's a turning pitch, whether we have to play the sweep or come down the track. If it's a seaming pitch, whether we have to leave balls, stand outside the crease or play defensively. ALSO READ: Can Ashwin make a comeback in India's limited overs team? Sunil Gavaskar opines "We need to prepare our mind according to the pitch. You are at this level playing for India because you know how to adjust to the conditions. In these challenging conditions, you need to prove that. Team India loves playing in challenging conditions, where things are against you,” Rohit, who slammed a classic 161 in the second Test against England in Chennai. 🗣️🗣️ Every team has the right to home advantage, reckons @ImRo45. @Paytm #INDvENG #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/ZbF7ufj01M — BCCI (@BCCI) February 21, 2021 × However, the Indian opener gave a slight hint on what to expect from the pitch in Ahmedabad as he said that it is going to be on similar lines to what the cricket world witnessed in Chennai. "Still, early days to talk about the pitch, I do not see anything changing in the pitch, what we played in the second Test, it is going to be more or less the same, it is going to turn a little, we are preparing according to that, when the day comes, we still need to assess the conditions, it has been a while since a last international game was played here," he added. ALSO READ: MS Dhoni would have played T20 World Cup in 2020, says former Team India selector The third match, the pink-ball Test, is set to played at the Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad – the world's largest stadium. While both England and Indian players have been lavishly praising the facilities in Motera Stadium, Rohit said he cannot wait to see the spectators flocking into the stadium. "It is the largest stadium in the world, we were all excited to come down to the ground and see the outfield, we had a couple of good sessions, the facility looks quite good. We have got a gym inside the ground, it looks a pretty good stadium and I cannot wait to see the spectators coming around and seeing the pink-ball Test." With the series firmly locked at 1-1, the Virat Kohli-led side would be looking to take the lead in the four-Test series when they take the field in Ahmedabad on February 24.

Focus on cricket, not on pitch: Rohit Sharma's message to experts

<p>On the sidelines of a Ranji Trophy game in 2019, Ishant Sharma had called himself 'the last flicker in a lamp' while politely making his reluctance known to three scribes, who had approached the self-effacing beanpole for an interaction.</p>

<p>Ishant was then standing at 96 Tests. Nearly 14 months later, during which he missed five Tests due to an injury, Indian cricket's most adorable 'lambu' is shining bright.</p>

<p>He is on course to become only the second Indian fast bowler, after the great Kapil Dev, to complete 100 Tests for the country.</p>

<p>'Arre yaar mera interview karke kya karogey? Main toh bujhta huya diya hoon (Why do you want to interview me? I am like the last flicker in a lamp),' Ishant had said at the Kotla.</p>

<p>In terms of sheer talent and craft, Ishant wouldn't be in the same league as Zaheer Khan, Mohammed Shami or Javagal Srinath but with his longevity, he has proved that 'workhorse' isn't exactly an abused word, which is used to sum up the veteran pacer.</p>

<p>'I think I will say this with certainty...,' former India wicketkeeper and Ishant's ex-Delhi teammate and coach Vijay Dahiya said.</p>

<p>'Ishant will be the last Indian fast bowler to play 100 Test matches. I don't see anyone playing 100 Tests. With majority of the fast bowlers preserving themselves for IPL and white ball games, it will be increasingly difficult to play 100 Tests for India,' Dahiya made a statement.</p>

<p>Ishant's mate for the last 16 years, current Delhi captain Pradeep Sangwan felt that even when Virat Kohli and Ishant attended Delhi's U-17 trials, he looked a class apart.</p>

<p>'He was so tall and that long flowing mane of his, we used to pull his leg and tease him, 'dekh le bhai, lamba Shah Rukh aa gaya (watch out brothers, the tall Shah Rukh has come (referring to the actor),' Sangwan said.</p>

<p>'But then even during those U-17 days, he was so tall and generated so much pace, you knew that he was special. And if you see when Virat was leading us at the 2008 U-19 World Cup, Ishant was already a Test player by then and didn't need to play that tournament.' His first 79 Test matches yielded 226 wickets and the last 20 fetched him 76 scalps, which shows how the man from West Delhi's Patel Nagar moulded himself according to the team's needs.</p>

<p>Ishant, as well as the current crop of Indian fast bowling line-up's most memorable three years, started in 2018 in South Africa with the introduction of Jasprit Bumrah in the Test arena.</p>

<p>'MS used him as a defensive bowler who would hold one end up. Ishant was his man to do the job. You know why he has lasted this long: because it's very important to know what your leader wants and deliver accordingly,' Dahiya said.</p>

<p>'He wasn't the wicket-taking bowler but kudos to him, he did the job of bowling 20 plus overs a day with elan, which primarily the spinners do in Tests,' he added.</p>

<p>It's his hardwork and ability to maintain fitness standards that allows him to bowl those 8 to 9 over spells Test after Test.</p>

<p>'He was bowling those 8 to 9 overs spells at 18 years at a pace of 140 plus. Today he is nearing 33 and he is still bowling those long spells consistently in late 130 kmph and cranking it up to 140 kmph at times,' said Sangwan.</p>

<p>First-class cricket has its own set of benefits but there are a few pitfalls, too, and often the example of former England batsman Graeme Hick is cited. Hick played seven years of county cricket before international level and by then, according to experts, the 'bad habits of domestic cricket had crept into his system'.</p>

<p>'Best part about Ishant was that he escaped that grind of first-class cricket and was fast-tracked pretty early.</p>

<p>'The moment a fast bowler is stuck for three plus years in Ranji Trophy, he can stagnate, compromise for pace and also lack quality from the other end. Ishant didn't have to endure that,' said Dahiya, who was also the pacer's senior team coach.</p>

<p>Ishant is probably someone who doesn't feel the need to be funny, interjected Sangwan, narrating an incident during their U-19 days.</p>

<p>'It was Delhi U-19 trials and as you know in DDCA, one approach-wala chap (a typical Delhi term used for back-door entry of boys with influential parents) was thrust upon the sports committee for trials.</p>

<p>'Sunil Dev, who was then the sports secretary, was so angry that he came up to us and told Ishant and myself 'if that fellow scores 20, you two will be out of the team'.</p>

<p>'Ishant was like 'sir, humari kya galti hai ki, isko trials pe bulaya (sir, what is our fault that he has ben called for trials)'.' Dev was unyielding but then, Ishant and Sangwan got him out four or five times and also embarrassed him with a barrage of short balls, which hit him on the ribs. Recalling that story, Sangwan chuckled.</p>

<p>While former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie sorted his wrist position at Sussex, Ishant remains a nightmare for keepers even after playing so many matches. Ask Wriddhiman Saha, who finds Ishant the most difficult to keep as the seam wobbles.</p>

<p>Dahiya, who is known for his self-deprecating humour, hit the parting shot.</p>

<p>'I still tell Ishant that it was his late movement that led to my early retirement as he was young and I was ageing. I tell him tune mere budhaape mein maze le liye (You enjoyed at the expense of my old age).'</p>


On the sidelines of a Ranji Trophy game in 2019, Ishant Sharma had called himself 'the last flicker in a lamp' while politely making his reluctance known to three scribes, who had approached the self-effacing beanpole for an interaction.

On the sidelines of a Ranji Trophy game in 2019, Ishant Sharma had called himself 'the last flicker in a lamp' while politely making his reluctance known to three scribes, who had approached the self-effacing beanpole for an interaction. Ishant was then standing at 96 Tests. Nearly 14 months later, during which he missed five Tests due to an injury, Indian cricket's most adorable 'lambu' is shining bright. He is on course to become only the second Indian fast bowler, after the great Kapil Dev, to complete 100 Tests for the country. 'Arre yaar mera interview karke kya karogey? Main toh bujhta huya diya hoon (Why do you want to interview me? I am like the last flicker in a lamp),' Ishant had said at the Kotla. In terms of sheer talent and craft, Ishant wouldn't be in the same league as Zaheer Khan, Mohammed Shami or Javagal Srinath but with his longevity, he has proved that 'workhorse' isn't exactly an abused word, which is used to sum up the veteran pacer. 'I think I will say this with certainty...,' former India wicketkeeper and Ishant's ex-Delhi teammate and coach Vijay Dahiya said. 'Ishant will be the last Indian fast bowler to play 100 Test matches. I don't see anyone playing 100 Tests. With majority of the fast bowlers preserving themselves for IPL and white ball games, it will be increasingly difficult to play 100 Tests for India,' Dahiya made a statement. Ishant's mate for the last 16 years, current Delhi captain Pradeep Sangwan felt that even when Virat Kohli and Ishant attended Delhi's U-17 trials, he looked a class apart. 'He was so tall and that long flowing mane of his, we used to pull his leg and tease him, 'dekh le bhai, lamba Shah Rukh aa gaya (watch out brothers, the tall Shah Rukh has come (referring to the actor),' Sangwan said. 'But then even during those U-17 days, he was so tall and generated so much pace, you knew that he was special. And if you see when Virat was leading us at the 2008 U-19 World Cup, Ishant was already a Test player by then and didn't need to play that tournament.' His first 79 Test matches yielded 226 wickets and the last 20 fetched him 76 scalps, which shows how the man from West Delhi's Patel Nagar moulded himself according to the team's needs. Ishant, as well as the current crop of Indian fast bowling line-up's most memorable three years, started in 2018 in South Africa with the introduction of Jasprit Bumrah in the Test arena. 'MS used him as a defensive bowler who would hold one end up. Ishant was his man to do the job. You know why he has lasted this long: because it's very important to know what your leader wants and deliver accordingly,' Dahiya said. 'He wasn't the wicket-taking bowler but kudos to him, he did the job of bowling 20 plus overs a day with elan, which primarily the spinners do in Tests,' he added. It's his hardwork and ability to maintain fitness standards that allows him to bowl those 8 to 9 over spells Test after Test. 'He was bowling those 8 to 9 overs spells at 18 years at a pace of 140 plus. Today he is nearing 33 and he is still bowling those long spells consistently in late 130 kmph and cranking it up to 140 kmph at times,' said Sangwan. First-class cricket has its own set of benefits but there are a few pitfalls, too, and often the example of former England batsman Graeme Hick is cited. Hick played seven years of county cricket before international level and by then, according to experts, the 'bad habits of domestic cricket had crept into his system'. 'Best part about Ishant was that he escaped that grind of first-class cricket and was fast-tracked pretty early. 'The moment a fast bowler is stuck for three plus years in Ranji Trophy, he can stagnate, compromise for pace and also lack quality from the other end. Ishant didn't have to endure that,' said Dahiya, who was also the pacer's senior team coach. Ishant is probably someone who doesn't feel the need to be funny, interjected Sangwan, narrating an incident during their U-19 days. 'It was Delhi U-19 trials and as you know in DDCA, one approach-wala chap (a typical Delhi term used for back-door entry of boys with influential parents) was thrust upon the sports committee for trials. 'Sunil Dev, who was then the sports secretary, was so angry that he came up to us and told Ishant and myself 'if that fellow scores 20, you two will be out of the team'. 'Ishant was like 'sir, humari kya galti hai ki, isko trials pe bulaya (sir, what is our fault that he has ben called for trials)'.' Dev was unyielding but then, Ishant and Sangwan got him out four or five times and also embarrassed him with a barrage of short balls, which hit him on the ribs. Recalling that story, Sangwan chuckled. While former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie sorted his wrist position at Sussex, Ishant remains a nightmare for keepers even after playing so many matches. Ask Wriddhiman Saha, who finds Ishant the most difficult to keep as the seam wobbles. Dahiya, who is known for his self-deprecating humour, hit the parting shot. 'I still tell Ishant that it was his late movement that led to my early retirement as he was young and I was ageing. I tell him tune mere budhaape mein maze le liye (You enjoyed at the expense of my old age).'

On the cusp of 100th Test, Delhi's 'lambu' stands tall

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ab90c91c-d812-4b40-895e-35c9e6fec9ed}{37}" paraid="1657529599" >Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara on Saturday said that the pitch for the second Test played against England in Chennai was not "dangerous" at all while adding it&nbsp;players find it difficult to score runs when the ball spins. Pujara was even asked about the IPL 2021 auction, where he was signed by Chennai Super Kings.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{70882a95-87ff-43ff-a980-b054284ec169}{180}" paraid="1484629826" >India defeated England by 317 runs in the second Test in Chennai to level the series 1-1. Now the focus shifts to Ahmedabad, where the last two Tests of the series will be played at the world's largest stadium –&nbsp;Motera.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{648fd867-be10-40d5-a962-7883090dc54b}{97}" paraid="90649422" >While there are still a few days to go before one could&nbsp;analyse&nbsp;the pitch in Ahmedabad, former players like Michael Vaughan and Mark Waugh termed the Chennai pitch as poor.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{00b9b2d7-f3bb-4961-bc42-48034331a8fa}{252}" paraid="3020159" >"Sometimes you know when you are playing on a turning track, you find it difficult but at the same time, it was not a dangerous pitch at all. When the ball spins you know people find it difficult to score runs, especially the overseas teams. When we go overseas and we play on seaming tracks, the game finishes in three or four days. We still have to play on such wickets where there is a lot of grass or seam movement,"&nbsp;Pujara told&nbsp;a virtual press conference on Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{00b9b2d7-f3bb-4961-bc42-48034331a8fa}{252}" paraid="3020159" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/whopping-inr-6144-crore-in-14-years-of-ipl-auction-salary-money-spent-across-cricketers-globally-365017" hreflang="en">Whopping INR 6144 crore in 14 years of IPL: Auction, salary money spent across cricketers globally</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1943ea53-94eb-4416-81a0-766796f9876e}{13}" paraid="1077775575" >"In turning tracks, one cannot define how much the ball can spin. It is a very thin line in that way. I do not think it was a bad pitch, it always becomes difficult in the second innings, this is how it is. When we play in Australia, there are cracks on day four and five, it is a little dangerous, the oddball hits the crack and it might take off. As a team I do not think we had any issues, once opposition teams start playing more on these pitches, they will be fine," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1943ea53-94eb-4416-81a0-766796f9876e}{50}" paraid="274234273" >Pujara was recently signed up by Chennai Super Kings for the 14th&nbsp;edition of the Indian Premier League for his base price. However, Pujara was all set to play County cricket in a bid to prepare for India's tour of England later this year. Now, with both IPL and County season clashing, Pujara&nbsp;said that he always wanted to play the shorter format of the game and will take a call on County cricket once the IPL gets over as he will have a small window to play some matches in England after the end of the cash-rich tournament.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1943ea53-94eb-4416-81a0-766796f9876e}{60}" paraid="602612544" >"First of all, I am really glad to be a part of the IPL, it is good to be back again. I would like to thank the CSK team for picking me, but at the same time, when I am talking about county cricket, I still think I will have enough time before we play England in England. Once IPL gets over, there will be a window for me to play county games. That call I will take once IPL gets over. There will be enough time to play some county games. We also have a couple of practice games in England once the Test series begins there," said Pujara.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{1943ea53-94eb-4416-81a0-766796f9876e}{60}" paraid="602612544" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/proud-of-your-success-sachin-tendulkar-reacts-after-virat-kohli-opens-up-about-battle-with-depression-365026" hreflang="en">Proud of your success: Sachin Tendulkar reacts after Virat Kohli opens up about battle with depression</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{e3776a47-2da1-4e45-bb12-3a1ef6987142}{106}" paraid="1763977441" >"There is plenty of time to play county cricket but it is good to be back in the IPL. You know, I always want to play the short format of the game, IPL has produced so many great cricketers, some young talent we have got through the IPL, it has helped the Indian team. My focus once this Test series gets over will be on the IPL and once IPL gets over, I will think about county games and then there is a big series coming up against England. I am very hopeful that we will play the World Test Championship final as well which is in June," he added.&nbsp;</p>


Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara on Saturday said that the pitch for the second Test played against England in Chennai was not "dangerous" at all while adding it players find it difficult to score runs when the ball spins.

Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara on Saturday said that the pitch for the second Test played against England in Chennai was not "dangerous" at all while adding it players find it difficult to score runs when the ball spins. Pujara was even asked about the IPL 2021 auction, where he was signed by Chennai Super Kings. India defeated England by 317 runs in the second Test in Chennai to level the series 1-1. Now the focus shifts to Ahmedabad, where the last two Tests of the series will be played at the world's largest stadium – Motera. While there are still a few days to go before one could analyse the pitch in Ahmedabad, former players like Michael Vaughan and Mark Waugh termed the Chennai pitch as poor. "Sometimes you know when you are playing on a turning track, you find it difficult but at the same time, it was not a dangerous pitch at all. When the ball spins you know people find it difficult to score runs, especially the overseas teams. When we go overseas and we play on seaming tracks, the game finishes in three or four days. We still have to play on such wickets where there is a lot of grass or seam movement," Pujara told a virtual press conference on Saturday. ALSO READ: Whopping INR 6144 crore in 14 years of IPL: Auction, salary money spent across cricketers globally "In turning tracks, one cannot define how much the ball can spin. It is a very thin line in that way. I do not think it was a bad pitch, it always becomes difficult in the second innings, this is how it is. When we play in Australia, there are cracks on day four and five, it is a little dangerous, the oddball hits the crack and it might take off. As a team I do not think we had any issues, once opposition teams start playing more on these pitches, they will be fine," he added. Pujara was recently signed up by Chennai Super Kings for the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League for his base price. However, Pujara was all set to play County cricket in a bid to prepare for India's tour of England later this year. Now, with both IPL and County season clashing, Pujara said that he always wanted to play the shorter format of the game and will take a call on County cricket once the IPL gets over as he will have a small window to play some matches in England after the end of the cash-rich tournament. "First of all, I am really glad to be a part of the IPL, it is good to be back again. I would like to thank the CSK team for picking me, but at the same time, when I am talking about county cricket, I still think I will have enough time before we play England in England. Once IPL gets over, there will be a window for me to play county games. That call I will take once IPL gets over. There will be enough time to play some county games. We also have a couple of practice games in England once the Test series begins there," said Pujara. ALSO READ: Proud of your success: Sachin Tendulkar reacts after Virat Kohli opens up about battle with depression "There is plenty of time to play county cricket but it is good to be back in the IPL. You know, I always want to play the short format of the game, IPL has produced so many great cricketers, some young talent we have got through the IPL, it has helped the Indian team. My focus once this Test series gets over will be on the IPL and once IPL gets over, I will think about county games and then there is a big series coming up against England. I am very hopeful that we will play the World Test Championship final as well which is in June," he added.

Will take a call on county stint after IPL, says CSK's latest recruit Cheteshwar Pujara

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{aa2ca0e7-3ad4-483e-9621-c5e7afc1a619}{165}" paraid="393295593" >England pacer Mark Wood reckons that his side, boasting one of the devastating pace attacks in the cricket world, can be upbeat about their chances in the upcoming pink-ball Test against India, scheduled to be played in Ahmedabad from February 24, given the ball moves around.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{01f80d33-37f3-4e7e-9df6-676453e32cfd}{169}" paraid="1236468807" >The four-Test series is firmly locked at 1-1 after the end of the first two Tests. The final two Tests of the series will be played at the new 110,000-capacity Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;Wood is hopeful of a seamer-friendly pitch.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{f3907b94-066b-456f-b2b3-52e1178e0490}{88}" paraid="1451589157" >"As soon as the ball moves, we know how good our seam bowlers can be. We've got good depth there, good skills and two of the best-ever (James Anderson and Stuart Broad).&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{78bc6397-d0f5-49af-b33b-bbede62d1eb6}{171}" paraid="1262743679" >"Hopefully, if the ball does move and it is seamer-friendly we can be very confident going into the game," Wood said during a virtual interaction on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{78bc6397-d0f5-49af-b33b-bbede62d1eb6}{180}" paraid="1347076053" >Wood joined the England squad, along with Jonny Bairstow, ahead of the third Test. While spinners have dominated the first two Test matches, pacers are expected to pick the majority of wickets in the day-night Test in Ahmedabad.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{78bc6397-d0f5-49af-b33b-bbede62d1eb6}{234}" paraid="2069250163" >"We've been bowling with them in the nets - they have swung quite a bit and they've lasted longer which was interesting to see," said Wood.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{78bc6397-d0f5-49af-b33b-bbede62d1eb6}{234}" paraid="2069250163" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tempo-drivers-son-chetan-sakariya-mourns-brothers-loss-after-landing-inr-120-crore-ipl-deal-364891" hreflang="en">Tempo driver's son Chetan Sakariya mourns brother's loss after landing INR 1.20 crore IPL deal</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{78bc6397-d0f5-49af-b33b-bbede62d1eb6}{252}" paraid="774907877" >"With the ball, as soon as it moves, every one of the bowlers from the past couple of months is dying to get it in their hand. I'm not the only one who's trying to get hold of it.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2f7bba0f-5b83-4bcd-bdd9-80d931bb9929}{15}" paraid="130249718" >"The wickets in the nets have been a bit green and had good pace and carry too. I don't know if that's anything to go by or whether it's a bit of a trick."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2f7bba0f-5b83-4bcd-bdd9-80d931bb9929}{24}" paraid="1132769608" >Recently, Wood pulled his name out of the IPL 2021 auction due to family reasons. However, the English paceman called it "very difficult decision" but the one he is comfortable with.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2f7bba0f-5b83-4bcd-bdd9-80d931bb9929}{60}" paraid="1208843590" >"Obviously there have been some big names going for big money and it's great for them. It's life-changing money which is why it was such a difficult decision for me," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2f7bba0f-5b83-4bcd-bdd9-80d931bb9929}{60}" paraid="1208843590" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/felt-like-the-loneliest-guy-virat-kohli-opens-up-on-battle-with-depression-364757" hreflang="en">'Felt like the loneliest guy': Virat Kohli opens up on battle with depression</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2f7bba0f-5b83-4bcd-bdd9-80d931bb9929}{78}" paraid="1103630512" >"First and foremost, it was for my family. I'm going to spend six weeks here in India and it would have been another eight weeks on top of that. The second reason, of course, is being ready for England.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2f7bba0f-5b83-4bcd-bdd9-80d931bb9929}{96}" paraid="378264636" >"I don't want my body to fail me or be a bit bruised mentally or physically for the back end of the year when it's the World Cup and Ashes, or in the summer when it's a big series against India at home.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2f7bba0f-5b83-4bcd-bdd9-80d931bb9929}{114}" paraid="1578386049" >"Although it's life-changing money and an opportunity, I'm comfortable with my decision and I hope it serves me well in the long term."&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{2f7bba0f-5b83-4bcd-bdd9-80d931bb9929}{123}" paraid="939862684" >&nbsp;</p>


England pacer Mark Wood reckons that his side, boasting one of the devastating pace attacks in the cricket world, can be upbeat about their chances in the upcoming pink-ball Test against India, scheduled to be played in Ahmedabad from February 24, given the ball moves around.

England pacer Mark Wood reckons that his side, boasting one of the devastating pace attacks in the cricket world, can be upbeat about their chances in the upcoming pink-ball Test against India, scheduled to be played in Ahmedabad from February 24, given the ball moves around. The four-Test series is firmly locked at 1-1 after the end of the first two Tests. The final two Tests of the series will be played at the new 110,000-capacity Sardar Patel Stadium in Ahmedabad. Wood is hopeful of a seamer-friendly pitch. "As soon as the ball moves, we know how good our seam bowlers can be. We've got good depth there, good skills and two of the best-ever (James Anderson and Stuart Broad). "Hopefully, if the ball does move and it is seamer-friendly we can be very confident going into the game," Wood said during a virtual interaction on Friday. Wood joined the England squad, along with Jonny Bairstow, ahead of the third Test. While spinners have dominated the first two Test matches, pacers are expected to pick the majority of wickets in the day-night Test in Ahmedabad. "We've been bowling with them in the nets - they have swung quite a bit and they've lasted longer which was interesting to see," said Wood. ALSO READ: Tempo driver's son Chetan Sakariya mourns brother's loss after landing INR 1.20 crore IPL deal "With the ball, as soon as it moves, every one of the bowlers from the past couple of months is dying to get it in their hand. I'm not the only one who's trying to get hold of it. "The wickets in the nets have been a bit green and had good pace and carry too. I don't know if that's anything to go by or whether it's a bit of a trick." Recently, Wood pulled his name out of the IPL 2021 auction due to family reasons. However, the English paceman called it "very difficult decision" but the one he is comfortable with. "Obviously there have been some big names going for big money and it's great for them. It's life-changing money which is why it was such a difficult decision for me," he said. ALSO READ: 'Felt like the loneliest guy': Virat Kohli opens up on battle with depression "First and foremost, it was for my family. I'm going to spend six weeks here in India and it would have been another eight weeks on top of that. The second reason, of course, is being ready for England. "I don't want my body to fail me or be a bit bruised mentally or physically for the back end of the year when it's the World Cup and Ashes, or in the summer when it's a big series against India at home. "Although it's life-changing money and an opportunity, I'm comfortable with my decision and I hope it serves me well in the long term."

IND vs ENG 3rd Test: England's Mark Wood upbeat about solid outing if ball moves around in Ahmedabad

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{597dde4d-29c6-42c4-8711-4e2b85e0ad7a}{109}" paraid="2041279789" >The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday announced the Team India squad for the last two Tests against England, scheduled to be played at the&nbsp;Motera&nbsp;Stadium in Ahmedabad. The All-India Senior Selection Committee on Wednesday met to pick the squad with the team being the same for the much-awaited pink-ball Test against England.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{ac354001-a4d9-40cf-9823-a1e9b365e182}{117}" paraid="1897676177" >Interestingly, senior pacer Umesh Yadav will join the Indian squad in Ahmedabad following his fitness assessment and will replace Shardul Thakur, who will be released for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{597dde4d-29c6-42c4-8711-4e2b85e0ad7a}{117}" paraid="787390551" >Moreover, Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja continue to remain absent from the Indian squad and are still recovering from their injuries, picked up during the Australian tour.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{597dde4d-29c6-42c4-8711-4e2b85e0ad7a}{117}" paraid="787390551" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravichandran-ashwin-and-rohit-sharma-jump-in-icc-test-player-rankings-after-england-win-364249" hreflang="en">Ravichandran Ashwin and Rohit Sharma jump in ICC Test Player Rankings after England win</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{597dde4d-29c6-42c4-8711-4e2b85e0ad7a}{125}" paraid="1220582040" ><strong>Indian squad for last 2 Tests vs England:</strong>&nbsp;Virat Kohli (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (Vice-captain), KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav,&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel, Washington Sundar, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit&nbsp;Bumrah, Md. Siraj.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{597dde4d-29c6-42c4-8711-4e2b85e0ad7a}{54}" paraid="1826785738" ><strong>Net Bowlers:</strong>&nbsp;Ankit Rajpoot, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Warrier, Krishnappa Gowtham, Saurabh Kumar&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{597dde4d-29c6-42c4-8711-4e2b85e0ad7a}{60}" paraid="666649274" ><strong>Standby players</strong>:&nbsp;KS Bharat, Rahul Chahar.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{597dde4d-29c6-42c4-8711-4e2b85e0ad7a}{66}" paraid="86653484" >Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shahbaz Nadeem and Priyank Panchal have been released for Vijay Hazare Trophy.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{597dde4d-29c6-42c4-8711-4e2b85e0ad7a}{66}" paraid="86653484" ><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-contemplating-allowing-fans-for-ipl-2021-sourav-ganguly-364234" hreflang="en">BCCI contemplating allowing fans for IPL 2021: Sourav Ganguly</a></strong></p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{597dde4d-29c6-42c4-8711-4e2b85e0ad7a}{66}" paraid="86653484" >The four-Test series is firmly locked at 1-1 following India's brilliant 317-run win in the second Test in Chennai. England started the series with a superb win in Chennai but fell short in the second Test as Virat Kohli and Co. made a great comeback in the series.</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{597dde4d-29c6-42c4-8711-4e2b85e0ad7a}{66}" paraid="86653484" >However, with the third Test being a pink-ball Test, the odds hang in balance. While England will look to unleash their pace battery against India, the hosts will look to continue their home domination.&nbsp;</p>

<p lang="EN-US" paraeid="{597dde4d-29c6-42c4-8711-4e2b85e0ad7a}{13}" paraid="738692707" >&nbsp;</p>


The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday announced the Team India squad for the last two Tests against England, scheduled to be played at the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday announced the Team India squad for the last two Tests against England, scheduled to be played at the Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad. The All-India Senior Selection Committee on Wednesday met to pick the squad with the team being the same for the much-awaited pink-ball Test against England. Interestingly, senior pacer Umesh Yadav will join the Indian squad in Ahmedabad following his fitness assessment and will replace Shardul Thakur, who will be released for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021. Moreover, Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja continue to remain absent from the Indian squad and are still recovering from their injuries, picked up during the Australian tour. ALSO READ: Ravichandran Ashwin and Rohit Sharma jump in ICC Test Player Rankings after England win Indian squad for last 2 Tests vs England: Virat Kohli (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (Vice-captain), KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Md. Siraj. Net Bowlers: Ankit Rajpoot, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Warrier, Krishnappa Gowtham, Saurabh Kumar Standby players: KS Bharat, Rahul Chahar. Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shahbaz Nadeem and Priyank Panchal have been released for Vijay Hazare Trophy. ALSO READ: BCCI contemplating allowing fans for IPL 2021: Sourav Ganguly The four-Test series is firmly locked at 1-1 following India's brilliant 317-run win in the second Test in Chennai. England started the series with a superb win in Chennai but fell short in the second Test as Virat Kohli and Co. made a great comeback in the series. However, with the third Test being a pink-ball Test, the odds hang in balance. While England will look to unleash their pace battery against India, the hosts will look to continue their home domination.

India announce squad for last 2 Tests vs England as Shami, Jadeja miss out

<p>A delighted BCCI President Sourav Ganguly on Tuesday announced that all tickets for the pink ball Day/Night Test between India and England in Ahmedabad have been "sold out", adding that a call on entry of spectators in the upcoming IPL will also be taken shortly.</p>

<p>The pink ball Test between India and England is slated to begin at the Motera, the the world's biggest cricket stadium, in Ahmedabad from February 24 and the authorities have decided to allow 50 per cent spectators.</p>

<p>"Ahmedabad is completely sold out. Happy to see normalcy back," Ganguly told Star Sports in an interview.</p>

<p>"I spoke to Jay Shah and he's very keen on these Test matches. Just for him also cricket is coming back to Ahmedabad after six-seven years because they built the new stadium," former India captain said.</p>

<p>The fixture will be the second time India host a Day/Night Test. The first was played in Kolkata against Bangladesh in 2019.</p>

<p>"I have told him we have set an example with pink-ball Test last year in Kolkata, so it cannot go beyond that and we want to see every seat and stand full. And that's what it is, the tickets have gone, as well as for the T20s which will follow the Tests," Ganguly said.</p>

<p>The second Test between India and England in Chennai marked the return of spectators for an international match in India after COVID-19 outbreak forced a complete shutdown of sporting activity in March last year. The BCCI is also contemplating allowing spectators in the IPL, which is slated to begin in the second week of April.</p>

<p>"This year is going to be big as well because of what it is. We'll see whether we can get the crowd back into the IPL, it's a decision we'll have to take very shortly. But it's going to be another great tournament," Ganguly said.</p>

<p>Talking about the IPL mini-auction, to be held on Thursday, Ganguly said:</p>

<p>"It is not a big auction but a lot of teams will have a lot to fill. Specially Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super King's will have a lot of work to do in the auction. The former Indian skipper added that a pink ball Test will be a permanent fixture in every home series.</p>

<p>"Absolutely. One pink-ball Test in a series is ideal. Every generation goes through changes, pink ball is one of the main changes for Test match cricket, and to keep Test match cricket alive. "I think with packed Ahmedabad stadium the next week will be another great sight for everyone."</p>

<p>On the personal front, Ganguly, who underwent two rounds of angioplasty last month, said he is feeling 'fit and fine.'</p>

<p>"I'm feeling absolutely fine. Yes, there was a bit of scare but luckily it wasn't as scary as everyone thought. I'm fit and fine and I'm back to work."</p>


A delighted BCCI President Sourav Ganguly on Tuesday announced that all tickets for the pink ball Day/Night Test between India and England in Ahmedabad have been "sold out", adding that a call on entry of spectators in the upcoming IPL will also be taken shortly.

A delighted BCCI President Sourav Ganguly on Tuesday announced that all tickets for the pink ball Day/Night Test between India and England in Ahmedabad have been "sold out", adding that a call on entry of spectators in the upcoming IPL will also be taken shortly. The pink ball Test between India and England is slated to begin at the Motera, the the world's biggest cricket stadium, in Ahmedabad from February 24 and the authorities have decided to allow 50 per cent spectators. "Ahmedabad is completely sold out. Happy to see normalcy back," Ganguly told Star Sports in an interview. "I spoke to Jay Shah and he's very keen on these Test matches. Just for him also cricket is coming back to Ahmedabad after six-seven years because they built the new stadium," former India captain said. The fixture will be the second time India host a Day/Night Test. The first was played in Kolkata against Bangladesh in 2019. "I have told him we have set an example with pink-ball Test last year in Kolkata, so it cannot go beyond that and we want to see every seat and stand full. And that's what it is, the tickets have gone, as well as for the T20s which will follow the Tests," Ganguly said. The second Test between India and England in Chennai marked the return of spectators for an international match in India after COVID-19 outbreak forced a complete shutdown of sporting activity in March last year. The BCCI is also contemplating allowing spectators in the IPL, which is slated to begin in the second week of April. "This year is going to be big as well because of what it is. We'll see whether we can get the crowd back into the IPL, it's a decision we'll have to take very shortly. But it's going to be another great tournament," Ganguly said. Talking about the IPL mini-auction, to be held on Thursday, Ganguly said: "It is not a big auction but a lot of teams will have a lot to fill. Specially Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super King's will have a lot of work to do in the auction. The former Indian skipper added that a pink ball Test will be a permanent fixture in every home series. "Absolutely. One pink-ball Test in a series is ideal. Every generation goes through changes, pink ball is one of the main changes for Test match cricket, and to keep Test match cricket alive. "I think with packed Ahmedabad stadium the next week will be another great sight for everyone." On the personal front, Ganguly, who underwent two rounds of angioplasty last month, said he is feeling 'fit and fine.' "I'm feeling absolutely fine. Yes, there was a bit of scare but luckily it wasn't as scary as everyone thought. I'm fit and fine and I'm back to work."

Pink-ball Test between India and England 'sold out', confirms BCCI president Sourav Ganguly

ind-vs-eng-3rd-test

Ind Vs Eng 3rd Test, News on Ind Vs Eng 3rd Test, stories on Ind Vs Eng 3rd Test, articles on Ind Vs Eng 3rd Test, Ind Vs Eng 3rd Test stories at Wion, Ind Vs Eng 3rd Test news, Ind Vs Eng 3rd Test latest news

ind vs-eng-3rd-test