India's Predicted XI for the third Test

First Test of India's Tour of England, where India came agonizingly close before losing by 31 runs, raised a lot of hope of an intriguing fight between the top 2 sides in the world, where India was touted to be "the team" who can beat the English side in their own backyard.

At the end of the 2nd Test, all hopes seem to be gone, with former players and fans alike heavily criticising India's batting display in the series with former England skipper Nasser Hussain claiming it to be "Men Against Boys".

Apart from batting one major area of criticism for India was their team selection for the 2nd Test. Here is India's predictable XI for the third Test to show its MEN Against MEN and NOT BOYS.

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Openers

High Time for Pair to Step Up

Murali Vijay & KL Rahul

Murali Vijay has had a forgettable tour till now getting a pair in the last match. His place in the side is under a great threat as well. However, looking at the 3rd Opener's option being Shikhar Dhawan, who has a very disappointing record against the moving ball, team management would back Vijay to come good, given his track record in alien conditions.

KL Rahul who was sent at his preferred spot in the last match also couldn't perform the way he would have liked, however, team management might consider the "conditions" where entire batting unit failed and give him one more chance to showcase his talent at the top.

Middle Order

Middle Order Needs to Fire Collectively

Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Karun Nair

Cheteshwar Pujara, having brought back to the side in the second match after being dropped in the first, looked solid before his mix up with Virat Kohli, which led to his downfall in the first innings and was able to see out the maximum number of deliveries in the second innings. Pujara will also look to bring his county experience to play a big knock.

Even an 80% fit Kohli is miles ahead of any other Indian batsman at the moment and going by the sort of personality and leadership style he has, Kohli will definitely play the do or die match.

Ajinkya Rahane, the vice-captain of the side certainly looked to get his touch in the first innings of the previous test before Anderson got him to knick one to Alaistar Cook in slips. India will certainly look up to their vice-captain to come to the party in this do-or-die match.

Karun Nair, not many would agree with his inclusion, but India does need an extra batsman in their lineup. Having a triple century to his name and scoring heavily in the domestic season, Nair certainly deserves his chance to test himself against the No. 2 side in the world.

Wicketkeeper

Growing under Dravid's Guidance since U-19 Days

Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant has been playing his best cricket in the past one - one and a half year scoring for each and every team he has played for. The ones who might doubt his ability to play in English conditions, he has been selected on the back of 2 contrasting knocks (58 runs off 111 balls & 61 runs off 71 balls) showing his versatility against England Lions bowling attack which had Sam Curran & Chris Woakes in their ranks.

With Dinesh Karthik not being able to replicate in limited overs heroics in Tests, its seem the right time to give the youngster an opportunity.

Bowlers

India Missing Bhuvi Dearly

Ravi Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami

Ravi Ashwin has had two very contrasting outings so far, one where he bowled beautifully to fox the English batsman picking up 7 wickets in the match and the other where he went wicketless and had an economy of 4 runs per over. However, he was the best batsman in that 2nd Test match where all other batsmen disappointed. Thus, his all-around ability giving him the edge over the other two spinners in the side.

Ishant Sharma's performances have been similar to that of Ravi Ashwin, picking up 6 wickets in the 1st Test and only 1 in the 2nd. However, his international, as well as county experience, will help him retain his place in the side.

Mohammed Shami, on his days or rather on his session, can be one of the most lethal bowlers in the world. But the problem with him now days is, those sessions are just not coming on a regular basis where he looks threatening. But given his track record, he will definitely get the nod over Umesh Yadav till the time Bhuvneshwar Kumar gets fit for selection.

Jasprit Bumrah, termed as a limited overs bowler, turned heads with his performances in South Africa. He was supposed to lead the Indian pace attack in England as well but a hand injury sustained during the match against Ireland reduced his further participation. Now a fit Bumrah will automatically walk into the playing XI.