Following a few days of uncertainty due to a Covid-19 outbreak in the Indian camp, the series-deciding Test match, at Old Trafford, is set to go ahead as scheduled. The fate of the game was in balance after India's assistant physio Yogesh Parmar tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday evening, following the team’s arrival in Manchester.
The Indian contingent had to cancel their practice session on the eve of the Test and had to undergo tests. Thankfully, they tested negative, and the match is set to commence.
India currently hold a 2-1 lead in the series, and are perhaps favourites to end a 14-year drought in England. However, at the Old Trafford, the English pacers will yet again be in their comfort zone, unlike what we experienced at the Oval.
Furthermore, scattered showers have been predicted for the first two days of the Test. If the sky remains overcast, R. Ashwin may not feature again.
The only change that can take place in the Indian camp is the inclusion of Mohammed Shami, who sat out the last Test match due to a niggle. There is plenty of chatter surrounding Ajinkya Rahane’s form but the team management is unlikely to drop him.
Amidst the Covid-19 complications in the Indian camp, England remain focused. They had their practice sessions and went through their daily routine. They seem to have created a psychological bubble from themselves in order to concentrate on their most important Test match of the summer.
Joe Root confirmed before the Test that Jos Buttler will return as wicketkeeper, after missing the Oval Test match due to the birth of his second child. Jonny Bairstow and Ollie Pope will clash for the No. 5 berth.
England have included specialist spinner Jack Leach in the squad. However, considering the circumstances, Moeen Ali remains the first-choice spinner. Mark Wood is fit for a recall, with England expected to rely on medical advice on whether to rest James Anderson or Ollie Robinson, who bowled their heart out throughout the Summer.
However, if they rest Anderson on his home turf, the rivalry between him and Kohli is likely to end.
Likely XIs:
India: Rohit Sharma, K.L. Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ravindra Jadeja, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wk), Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah
England: Rory Burns, Haseeb Hameed, Dawid Malan, Joe Root (c), Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler (wk), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Ollie Robinson, Mark Wood, James Anderson
Betway fantasy tips:
– Picking in-form Rohit in your fantasy squads has become a mere formality. Along with him, Root, Thakur, Bumrah, Woakes and Robinson are automatic picks.
– Because of his all-round abilities, making Woakes vice-captain can fetch you a lot of points. For the captain’s role Joe Root still remains the best choice.
– Jadeja and Moeen are the most popular choice for the all-rounder’s slot, while Buttler can be picked as wicketkeeper.
Prediction:
The overhead conditions will force this Test match to end with no result.
Blitzpools Fantasy Team
Joe Root (C), Chris Woakes (VC), Rohit Sharma, K.L. Rahul, Jos Buttler, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Ollie Robinson, James Anderson, Mark Wood, Jasprit Bumrah.