IND vs ENG: Anderson and Mark Wood can play together in the third test, and Ben Stokes will play the 100th test of his career.

Posted on 14th Feb 2024 by rohit kumar

The third match of the five-Test series between India and England will be played in Rajkot from Thursday (February 15). England won the first test match played in Hyderabad. After this, host India made a comeback by winning the Visakhapatnam Test. At present the series is tied at 1-1. The visiting team can enter this match with a different strategy. Captain Ben Stokes, who is going to play his 100th Test match, can give a chance to two pure fast bowlers.

 

Considering the Rajkot pitch, England has included fast bowler Mark Wood in its 12 players. England can field James Anderson and Mark Wood in the third Test. Anderson played in the Visakhapatnam Test, while Wood played in Hyderabad. In the second test, England went with three main spinners Tom Hartley, Rehan Ahmed, Shoaib Bashir, and fourth spinner Joe Root. Captain Ben Stokes says that the issue of Rehan's single entry visa will not affect the preparations. Officials are busy solving it. He hopes Rehan will play in Rajkot.

 

Will become the 16th cricketer of England to play 100 tests

If Stokes plays in Rajkot, he will become the 74th cricketer in cricket history to play 100 Tests. He will also be the 16th player from England to achieve this feat. Stokes made his Test debut in 2013. This left-handed batsman has performed brilliantly so far. He is one of the top all-rounders in the world. Stokes has scored 6251 runs in 99 test matches for England. During this period his average has been 36.3. Stokes has scored 13 centuries and 31 half-centuries.

 

Ollie Pope praised the captain

England batsman Ollie Pope believes that captain Ben Stokes has changed cricket in many respects. England all-rounder Stokes, who has played many brilliant innings under pressure, has also set an example as a captain by adopting baseball (aggressive attitude) in Test cricket. Pope said that Stokes performs at his best when the team needs him. I remember in the Ashes he took the game to a different level at Lord's when there was all the pressure on him. What he has done so far in 99 Tests is extraordinary.

 

Stokes' team management policy is unique: Pope

Pope said that there have been ups and downs in Stokes' career but what he has done after becoming the captain is amazing. His team management policy is different from everyone else. When he became the captain, he made it clear to me that I would play at number three. This boosted my morale a lot. He also has time to communicate with the team physio and doctor.

 

Also Read: IND vs ENG: 'England will finish the match in 60-70 overs', Anderson is being trolled fiercely for this statement in the second test

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