Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
 |
| Image Credit: Getty Images |
For the first time since the first Test, we are in for a potentially thrilling finish.
With India slightly ahead, as I thought they would be yesterday, you probably have to say England are favourites with a deficit of just 21 with all ten wickets in hand… after India yet again fell victim to Moeen Ali. However, I’m just so thrilled for Cheteshwar Pujara, a player who has had a challenging time overseas, who played an absolutely amazing knock to keep India right in the game.
With England’s top order STILL inspiring as much confidence as Arsenal Football Club’s defence, nothing is a given in a Test that has ebbed and flowed. So, what will the third day have in store?
Like yesterday, I will explore three key things to look out for on the third day that I think will shape the result of the Test. Day three is often considered “moving day”, and anything can happen, making this another much anticipated day of Test Cricket.
What can England’s top order offer?
India’s seamers have been all over England’s top order like a bad rash, and even a small first innings deficit represents pressure for the Poms’ top order.
I don’t think I look like Einstein when I say this is Keaton Jennings’ last chance, and I can’t even remember what life was like when Alastair Cook scored a double hundred on a Melbourne pitch that made a pancake look full of life. Those two need to knock off the deficit at least, and it’s time Joe Root imposes himself on the series.
 |
| A tough time for Jennings… |
With England having a middle and lower order very capable of holding the bat, England’s top six today could be vital to the chances. You simply can’t collapse and expect Sam Curran to pick you up out of the mire again.
Can Ishant, Bumrah and Ashwin have a big say?
India now possess a well-rounded attack away from home, and the form of Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah has been a key factor to their success.
Can they rip through England’s top order again? If they can, and focus on restricting England to a lead of (maximum) 200, India are a chance of winning even when having to bat last. However, India’s bowlers and fans will probably be having nightmares of closing out opposition innings away from home. If they have the opportunity to do so, they must be ruthless.
 |
| Lower orders have been a challenge for India |
Also, if Ishant and Bumrah do find success, can Ashwin cut short England’s efforts of rebuilding? I would give him plenty of opportunities with the pitch beginning to take turn, and given the England line up is full of left handers.
Can England bat the whole day?
If England can manage this, they should throw a party mid-pitch.
The batting doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence right now, but the series is there to be won today.
Can they bat the full 90? That typically translates to about 300 runs, which could be too much for India to chase in the fourth innings.
My verdict…
With India slightly in front thanks to Cheteshwar Pujara’s brilliance, the third day is set up nicely.
I predict England will bat till halfway through the third session and set India a target of about 230 to win.
We’ll see what happens! Thanks for reading.
