Team India will battle England in the third Test of their 5-Test series at Leeds from August 25 onwards. The Indian cricket team recorded a convincing win against the hosts at the iconic Lord’s cricket ground in the previous Test match. The visitors now have a chance to take an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the 5-match Test series.
After the first Test in Nottingham ended in a stalemate, now if Team India wins the 3rd Test, England will only be able to manage a draw even if they win both remaining matches. Many fans think that India will not make any changes in their playing XI. However, there a few fans who feel that Ravichandran Ashwin might come into the side.
There is a slight chance of Ashwin getting a match. However, it is possible because England will likely have more left-handed batsmen in their playing XI for the Leeds Test match. In case you didn’t know, world number one T20I batsman Dawid Malan has returned to the England squad. He is a left-handed batsman. Also, Moeen Ali, Rory Burns and Sam Curran bat left-handed.
Whom will Team India drop if they pick R Ashwin?
R Ashwin’s batting record in Test matches on English soil is decent as well. Hence, there might not be many questions asked if Team India pick Ashwin. However, the question to be answered, whom will Ashwin replace. It is highly unlikely that he will replace any batsman.
Also, the chance that Ashwin replaces Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami or Mohammed Siraj are low. The two players who have a 1% chance of losing their spot in case Indian team management wants to play Ashwin are Ishant Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja. Playing two spinners might not be advisable, which is why in case even if there is a slight chance that Ashwin plays, he might probably come in Jadeja’s spot.
The chances that India changes their playing XI are negligible. However, this is the one change that might still occur, having a 1% chance because of the left-handers in the England squad.
