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England is touring India to play five test matches, three one day internationals, and three T-20 internationals. The test series is underway and the third test is being held in Mohali, Punjab. India is leading the five match series by 1-0 and England will do its best to level it! Let’s check more about the test series and the key players.
England started as the Favourites
England visited India in 2012-13 and beat the hosts in their own backyard by 2-1. So, England is confident that it will play good cricket and repeat history.
First Two Test Matches – How did they go?
The first two Tests were played at Rajkot and Vishakhapatnam. The first was held from 09th to 13th November and ended in a draw. Apparently England had an upper hand. The second Test, held from 17th to 21st November, went in favour of India.
Third Test
The third Test is an opportunity for England to bounce back. The match is being played at Mohali, Punjab. England has never won a Test match on this ground, whereas India lost just one match here (in 1994). The visitors will fight out to end the jinx.
Venue
The Test will be played at PCA Stadium, officially known as Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium. Located in Mohali near Chandigarh, this stadium is relatively new as compared to other cricket stadiums in India. The stadium can accommodate more than 26,000 spectators.
Host City – Mohali
The host city, Mohali is located on the outskirts of Chandigarh, the capital city of the states of Punjab and Haryana. Travellers visiting Mohali to enjoy cricket fever must plan a day out to explore the heart and soul of the beautiful city at top-rated attractions such as Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, and Chattbir Zoo.
Fourth Test
After Mohali, the teams will reach Mumbai to play the fourth Test at Wankhede Stadium, one of the most popular stadiums in India. In the last two outings, England surprised the hosts with considerable margins and will look forward to a hat-trick! The match is scheduled from 08th to 12th December.
Fifth Test
Chennai will host the fifth and final test of the series from 16th to 20th December. England and India played eight Tests here and the record is 3-4 in the favour of India. England has a chance to level the record. Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium can accommodate up to 38,000 spectators.
Key players
Virat Kohli – The captain of the Indian team, Virat Kohli has emerged as the most reliable player for the team. In the last Test at Vishakhapatnam, he scored 167 and 81 runs in the first and second innings respectively and won the match for India.
Cheteshwar Pujara – A Test match specialist, Pujara is among the most consistent players in the current Indian squad. He scored two centuries in the last two Tests against England. The visitors need to find a way to tackle his defence and technique.
Ravichandran Ashwin – Ashwin is the current number one bowler as well as all rounder in ICC Test Rankings. His all round performances in India as well as abroad make him an integral part of the Indian team.
Joe Root – The world’s number two batsman is probably the most important player in the English Test team. Playing at number three, Root has contributed with big knocks and great partnerships.
Alistair Cook – Under Cook’s captaincy, England upset India on their 2012-13 tour. The confident English captain will look forward to repeat history. However, he needs to find a way to take on Kohli, Ashwin, and Pujara.
James Anderson – One of the most dangerous bowlers in the history of England, James Anderson is the all-time highest international wicket-taker for the country.