England vs India 2018: Team India's probable XI for the third Test

The Indian cricket team was left shattered as England crush India by an innings and 159 runs at Lord's. Indian batsmen failed to learn from their mistakes and were all vulnerable against the moving ball as the second innings folded up for 130 in 47 overs.

Another batting collapse saw India suffer one of their biggest defeats in recent times. Although the first day of play being completely washed out, the match was completed on the fourth day, with England emerging victorious.

Some of the calls that Virat Kohli took in the second Test were questionable, and it influenced the outcome of the match. The third Test is at Trent Bridge in a few days. If India wants to stay alive in the series, they need to bounce back hard and learn from their mistakes.

As Virat Kohli always does, a few changes are expected in the playing XI. So, let's take a look at the probable XI for India in the third Test.

#1 Murali Vijay

Murali Vijay

Vijay is one of the pillars of the Indian batting line-up in Tests. In the recent past, he has struggled to make an impact with his batting.

However, he is likely to keep his place in the side for now. Vijay is one of the best batsmen for India in overseas conditions.

#2 Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan

"Shikhar Dhawan should have got a second chance," was what even the original 'Little Master' Sunil Gavaskar said after Dhawan was dropped for the second Test. Judging a player on the basis of a single game isn't fair.

Dhawan could be inserted in the playing XI for the third Test as his exclusion from the XI wasn't fair. Dhawan batting left-handed gives India's line-up variety.

#3 Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara was not given a chance in the first Test at Edgbaston. He was unlucky in the second Test as he got out via a run-out. He has proven his worth in the past, and his county stint should help him.He did face a few balls in the second Test before he got out. He showed that he can hang around for a long time.

#4 Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli

The Indian captain has been the best batsman of the side in the series so far and the only one to cross 200 runs. The Indian captain is the lone bright spot in the batting line up.

Virat Kohli suffered back spasms during the second Test against England, but he is likely to be fit as there is a five-day gap before the next Test. A lot rides on the skipper.

#5 Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane is one batsman who has done well in overseas in the past and is good at playing the pacers. However, he has been struggling for form and he needs to make some runs in the middle-order to justify his place in the playing XI. His technique and temperament is always a key factor.

#6 Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik has failed in the first two Tests. The wicket-keeper batsman needs to perform well in the third Test or else he could well be replaced by Rishab Pant, who has been warming the bench and is waiting for his chance.

#7 Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya is an improved cricketer now in the squad. He has provided a few valuable runs in the middle order and picked up a few key wickets. The dashing allrounder needs to bring his A-game if India are to stay in the series.

#8 Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin

In the second Test, Ashwin was India's highest run-scorer with 62 runs to his name. He was introduced in the bowling attack very late by his skipper especially given the fact that he was one of India's successful bowlers in the first Test. Ashwin's allround abilities will be vital for India's chances.

#9 Ishant Sharma

Ishant Sharma

Ishant Sharma bagged seven wickets in the first Test against England at Birmingham, including a five-for in the second innings. He was bowling well in the second Test but was unfortunate that he didn't get more wickets. He has led the attack well in the absence of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and he is a workhorse who can grind his way through with the ball even on the toughest of days.

#10 Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami

Mohammad Shami is in a good run of form. He is bowling with pace and swinging the ball as well. When Shami is in his rhythm and gets the ball to swing late, he is one tough bowler to handle. Shami will be looking to continue his good form and rattle the English batsmen. He was possibly the best bowler for India in the second Test match.

#11 Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah was deemed fit for training but not match-fit prior to the second Test. Pacer Bumrah is likely to be available for selection for the third Test. His unusual action, pace and the bounce which generates off the pitch gives him that X-factor. Bumrah extracts more off the wicket and gets the ball to skid off the surface. He could be the boost that the Indian team wanted in their bowling.