England vs India 2018: 4 changes which are vital to change India's fortune in the 3rd Test 

Two matches into the series and one already feels the third Test match is going to be a dead rubber. The chances of redemption looks bleak. Going forward into the series, the performance of the Indian team in the first two Tests certainly does not induce any confidence among the fans.

But the series is far from being finished. With a few tactical moves, a checkmate is well and truly possible. Right from the opening woes to getting the team combination right, Indians have a lot to ponder over.These 4 changes to the third test are vital for team India’s resurgence in the five match series.

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#4 Inclusion of Pant

A southpaw in the middle order can change India's fortunes

Rishabh Pant’s red hot form in white ball cricket is known to all and sundry. More than a few were surprised when Pant didn’t make the cut in the Indian limited overs setup despite the impressive shows in the recently concluded IPL. But the same chunk had their eyebrows raised when Pant was drafted into the Test squad.

The selectors though, have been spot on. Pant has been on a roll with the India A squad. His 3 half centuries from 2 test matches in England against the England Lions and Windies A squad bears a testimony to it. He also amassed a quickfire 36* for India in his only innings in the warm up match prior to this series.

Pant has the credentials to make it to the eleven purely as a batsman. He can be made to bat at No. 6. His explosive repertoire can be a breath of fresh air to the struggling Indian batting line-up.

#3 Exclusion of Murali Vijay

Murali Vijay made a pair in the Lord's Test

Murali Vijay has been in sorry form this series. He is a pale shadow of his 2014 self. He is struggling to cope with the swing big time. His admired judgement in leaving balls isn’t as sharp as it once was.

To be honest, he has been tormented in the crease so far. To make matters worse his confidence seems to have hit rock bottom. His two successive ducks in the Lord's Test doesn't do him any favor.

Meanwhile, the management should keep persisting with Rahul. A significant improvement was evident in his 2nd innings in Lords while dueling with the outswingers. Dinesh Karthik can also breathe easy for now. He looked much more comfortable than the other batsmen in the one innings where he scored 20 runs. His 82 in the warm up match is a reminder that he is no pushover in these conditions.

#2 Ashwin opens the innings with Rahul

Ashwin has been India's second best batsmen in the series

After Kohli, Ashwin appeared to be the only batsman who could tackle the copious swing in the first two Tests. He always puts a price tag on his wicket.

Ashwin is no less than a front-line batsman whenever he comes in to bat. The way in which he sets the scoreboard ticking is commendable. This has been a key entity for the Indians in this series.

In these conditions one can sweat it out trying to defend and leave balls. But to what end? There is that one unplayable delivery always around the corner. So, by the time the batsmen get out, they do not have a whole lot of runs against their names.

If Ashwin bats as an opener, he will score runs and provide solidity at the top. He has the game to be successful as an opener in Tests.

Ultimately, it is the number of runs scored by the batsmen which counts. This is what Ashwin is good at. He doesn’t mind making a mockery of the loose balls and he is paid rich dividends.

#1 Bumrah/Umesh in for Kuldeep

If Bumrah is fit for the third Test, his addition will spice up the bowling attack

In the Lord’s test, the mystery quotient of Kuldeep’s bowling was no match to the mystery surrounding his inclusion in the eleven. When every fast bowler was smacking his lips looking at the conducive environment in Lord’s, Kohli felt otherwise. As history has it, the move backfired.

Bumrah, who pocketed 14 wickets and made heads turn in the South Africa series, would be raring to prove his mettle once again in these bowler-friendly conditions. His sharp pace, tricky angle and the nip he purchases from pitch, can give headaches to the English batters.

If fitness rules him out, Umesh Yadav should be given the nod, as his genuine outswingers would add an additional weapon to the Indian pace armory.