India vs England 3rd Test Day 1: Rohit Sharma Opts to Bat in Rajkot; Jadeja and Siraj Return to Playing XI
In the highly anticipated 3rd Test of the Anthony de Mello Trophy, Indian captain Rohit Sharma has won the toss and elected to bat at Rajkot. The hosts have made significant changes to their playing XI, introducing two debutants, Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel. Ravindra Jadeja returns from a hamstring injury, while Mohammed Siraj replaces Mukesh Kumar.
The absence of Virat Kohli due to personal reasons has been confirmed by the BCCI, and Ravindra Jadeja’s return provides much-needed experience in the middle order. KL Rahul, still recovering, is not included, emphasizing Jadeja’s crucial role.
Several milestones add to the excitement of the match, with Ravichandran Ashwin one wicket away from 500 Test wickets, England captain Ben Stokes marking his 100th Test, and James Anderson on the verge of 700 Test wickets.
Mark Wood makes a return to the England side in place of Shoaib Bashir, indicating a potential challenge for pacers on the Rajkot pitch. The SCA Stadium, hosting its second Test, witnessed a draw between India and England in 2016.
Stay tuned for live scorecard updates and ball-by-ball commentary as the action unfolds in the 3rd Test between India and England at Rajkot.
