4 reasons why England should not take India lightly in the third test

England head into the third test with a comfortable 2-0 lead in the series. English skipper Joe Root would be foolish to sit comfortably as there is still a lot of cricket left in this series. A slip in intensity now by England might result in them drawing or even losing the series.

This might look far-fetched at this moment but we must not forget that the Indian team under Virat Kohli play their best cricket when they have their backs against the wall. They showcased this against the Proteas when they went out to win the third test at Wanderers after losing the first two.

Let us look at the four reasons why England should not take India lightly going into the third test.

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#1 Jasprit Bumrah will bolster the Indian pace attack

Bumrah will be back for the third test

Bumrah is expected to be back for the third test and will bolster the India pace attack. The English batsmen have already been troubled with the Indian pacers in the last two tests, and the addition of Bumrah could cause trouble to the English batsmen as his slinging bowling action makes it difficult to pick by most batsmen.

India's premium pace bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, is also expected to be available for the 4th test. Everyone is aware how effective he can be in swinging conditions.

#2 Indian middle order is due for big innings

Expect Rahane, Kohli to fire in the third test

India's experienced middle order would be determined to prove their detractors wrong. Moreover, they have faced enough deliveries in the last two tests which would make them feel at home in the swinging conditions.

The likes of Pujara and Rahane will be itching to score a big hundred. Rahane is due for a big innings and would be looking to keep his overseas record intact. England are already wary of what Kohli is capable of after his exploits in Edgbaston.

#3 Lower middle order might have a new look for India

Pant might come in Karthik

Going into the third test, India might bring in Rishabh Pant and Karun Nair to replace Karthik and Pandya respectively. Pant is a destructive batsman and a fierce striker of the cricket ball.

Nair already has a triple century against his name which highlights his capability of playing long innings. This fresh look to the lower middle order might spring a surprise or two for England.

#4 Ashwin could be handy on dry Trent Bridge pitch

Ravichandran Ashwin

Reports coming in from Trent Bridge suggest that the pitch could be dry which means that it would aid Indian spin bowling. Ashwin showed in Edgebaston how deadly he can be when the pitch offers some turn. This might be worrisome sign for English batsmen, especially the left-handers.