3 adjustments India must make to win the third Test

The debacle at Lords is over. The pride of the Indian team is at stake. The embarrassing defeat at Lords cannot go unanswered. How this team responds to adversity, going forward, is going to define the character, determination and the heart of each member of this team. It's time to focus and take it one step at a time.

The key is to restore stability and confidence to the team. India must give the players, who have already played so far, a longer leash. So, here are the top three adjustments India must make ahead of the third Test at Trent Bridge.

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3) Play with a Four Bowlers Strategy

One of India's biggest mistakes at Lords was going in with five bowlers. The fact is, in bowler-friendly conditions, like in England, if your top four bowlers don't get the job done, adding a fifth isn't going to do much to your cause. In fact, that strategy affects the balance of the team and renders it one batsman short. And that could be the difference-maker. So, that's the first adjustment India needs to make.

They should play with Shami, Umesh, Ishant and Ashwin as their bowlers. There has been a lot of talk about getting Bumrah back into the team. But, it's important to understand that Bumrah hasn't played at all in this series, is returning from an injury, and is relatively inexperienced in Test cricket. So, it's best to stick with those with the battle scars.

2) Bring Back Dhawan for Pandya

Gabbar!

Hardik Pandya must be replaced. He has failed as a batsman in this series and his bowling hasn't made much of a difference, either. So, it's best to bring back Dhawan, in his place, to open the innings with Vijay and drop Rahul down to the #5 spot. Rahul, in the middle order, is a much better option than someone like Nair from the bench who's not been part of this series so far.

Moreover, admittedly, Dhawan's performance has not been up to snuff so far. But he remains India's best option at the top because

1. he has already been a part of this series and is familiar with the English bowlers and conditions

2. he gives India the left-right combination at the top of the innings

3. he is an attacking player who's able to score quick runs can put the pressure on the English bowlers.

1) Bat Smartly

England v India: Specsavers 2nd Test - Day Two

One of the problems for India's top three batsmen has been that they have been batting like they do, normally, on flat pitches. They must change their approach. Here're three pointers they must keep in mind in order to succeed in the third Test:

1) Don't swat at the ball outside the off stump. Just leave it - no matter what the length.

2) Don't look to flick the ball on the off and middle stumps to mid-wicket. That is a recipe for edging behind the wicket or getting bowled.

3) Take your batting stance outside the crease. That will allow you enough space to go back deep in the crease to play a shot late, if you have to.

Here's the team that India should field in the third Test: S. Dhawan, M. Vijay, C. Pujara, V. Kohli, K.L. Rahul, A. Rahane, D. Karthik, R. Ashwin, I. Sharma, U. Yadav, M. Shami.