Though the stadium has a capacity of 110,000 fans, only 50 % will be allowed inside the stadium due to Covid 19 protocols. Many VIPs are expected to visit the stadium to watch the test match including the President of India
Ram Nath Kovind
Here are the few highlighting points for the test match starting tomorrow :
Inaugural Test match at World's largest cricket stadium
Though Motera cricket stadium has hosted a lot of test matches and international cricket matches, this will be the first international cricket match after 6 years break as the stadium was under construction. Before the renovation, the stadium had a capacity of 55000 spectators.
Pink Ball Test match and World Test Championship Qualification Excitement
This will be the second pink ball test match in India after the successful debut pink ball test at Kolkata against Bangladesh where India won the test match in 3 days. The excitement for the day-night testis at another level as series is levelled 1-1, and this test match will be crucial for both the side for World test championship qualifications.
India has to win at least one test match and one draw, to qualify for the event while England has to win both the test match to qualify.
Pitch and Playing Condition
The pitch is expected to favour the spinners but due to the Pink ball Day-night test, conditions will change. The pitch may offer some assistance for the "swing" bowlers in the evening when the temperature cool's down and more importantly, the twilight phase will be tough for the batsman as the natural lights will be dimming and artificial light's will take off along with bowlers running through the shadow will make it difficult for the batsman to pick the line and length of the ball early.
Set to play in only his second pink-ball Test, India opener
Rohit Sharma on Sunday said he will be "extra cautious and focussed" while batting during the twilight phase of the day-night match against England here.
Impact of Toss on the test Match
As expected, the toss will play a huge role in Indian subcontinent conditions as team batting last will be at disadvantage.
Any team that will win the toss is expected to bat first and put the runs on the board as luck will also play a part in the 3rd test match starting tomorrow.
James Anderson could be the X-Factor for England.
James Anderson loves bowling in pink ball test as the ball swings a bit more than traditional test match. Jimmy has taken 14 wickets in three day-night tests at an average of 18.50.
More than the normal swing, Jimmy will be banking on the Reverse swing with the old bowl, which though looks unlikely as dew may hamper the dry conditions and will make it tougher to keep the ball dry.
Anderson, 38 said: “The pink ball is swinging a little, more than the red one. But until you get into a match situation, you don’t know what it will do. I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed.
“At the minute, the pitch has grass on it but I’m pretty sure it won’t be there on match day".
Virat Kohli holds a key for India
As there are excitement buildings for tomorrow's test match, Virat Kohli will be enjoying this situation as he relishes, when all the attention is on him. He just likes performing on big occasions as it allows him to showcase his greatness to the world. Kohli will be eagerly waiting to score a century in the high profile test match starting tomorrow and silenced his critics.
Changes expected in Playing XI of both the teams.
There is expected changes on the England side as their rotation policy continues. Though England may be in a dilemma to go with one spinner or both.
The Indian side on another hand will be considering options to drop Kuldeep and play an extra seamer or even Hardik Pandya provided he can give India a few overs with his medium pacers.
IND vs ENG Probable Playing XIs
India: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma
England: Dom Sibley, Zak Crawley, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Ollie Pope, Ben Foakes, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Jack Leach, Jofra Archer, James Anderson
Opinion
Though India looks a stronger side going in the third test and there is nothing special in this current England side but there is a strong gut feeling that England could surprise India again in the third test match, but this is to be seen whether they can still beat India, a second time which appears to be quite difficult.
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