Ind vs Eng Pink-ball Test: 5 on-field contests to watch out for- India will take on England in the third Test at Motera Stadium, Ahmedabad beginning Wednesday. The series is currently tied at 1-1 ahead of the D/N Test. In the battle of the best, there will be some key contests that will define the outcome of the historic Pink-ball Test. Here is a look at the top 5 contests in the third Test:
Ind vs Eng Pink-ball Test – Ben Stokes vs R Ashwin
Ben Stokes has been dismissed 10 times against R Ashwin. He got him out in both first and second innings in the second Test. If Ashwin picks Stokes for one more time, the latter will top the list of his most dismissals in Tests. The England all-rounder is currently level with former teammate Alastair Cook in the unwanted list.
Ind vs Eng Pink-ball Test – Rishabh Pant vs England Spinners
The Indian wicket-keeper batsman has been phenomenal with the bat since the inception of the New Year. He was awarded ICC’s inaugural Player of the Month for his heroics in Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Pant continued his brilliance with the bat against England in Chennai.
He went after spinners Jack Leach, scoring a quick-fire ninty. But the latter got the better of him in the second Test. Meanwhile, Dom Bess’ angle made it difficult for Pant to dance down the pitch. He has already got him out once.
Ind vs Eng Pink-ball Test – Joe Root vs Axar Patel
Joe Root is expected to come all guns blazing at Axar Patel. The latter dismissed Root cheaply (6, 33) on both occasions in the second Test. At his home ground, Axar is expected to continue his dominance against the double centurion from first Test.
Ind vs Eng Pink-ball Test – Virat Kohli vs James Anderson
Kohli had struggled against Anderson in 2014. But the India skipper has never looked back, ensuring James Anderson does not get him out. Having said that, the veteran of over 600 wickets can still be a threat with the new ball in the pink-ball Test.
Ind vs Eng Pink-ball Test – Cheteshwar Pujara vs Jofra Archer
Pujara has been rock solid with the bat in Test cricket. But he often struggles against pacers early on in his innings. Jofra Archer, who hits the deck hard, can trouble Pujara with his deliveries. The England pacer is at his absolute best since his debut for England across formats.
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