- Saturday, July 27, 2024
The Three Lions want to utilise the 10-day break between the second and the third Test to be played in Rajkot.
By: Shubham Ghosh
ENGLAND lost the second Test against India in Visakhapatnam by 106 runs inside four days and now, the Ben Stokes-led side will leave for Abu Dhabi, their pre-series base for a much-needed break before returning to India for the third match starting February 15 in Rajkot.
The Three Lions, who stunned India in the first match in Hyderabad by 28 runs, could not replicate the same result in the second game where they were bowled out for 292 in the pursuit of 399 runs to make the series 2-0.
The visitors were looking forward to indulging in some golf activities before regrouping for the crucial third match. The side that wins that game will have a world of advantage to clinch the series.
Read: Foakes-Hartley fight in vain as England lose second Test by 106 runs
According to reports, England’s decision to go to Abu Dhabi comes as they aim to utilise the long break and recharge the batteries with no side games scheduled in India.
Read: Jasprit Bumrah wrecks England with 6-fer in second Test
Stokes’s squad prepared for the series with an extensive conditioning camp in the desert city in the UAE instead of reaching the subcontinent for practice games. The England batters spent a lot of time working on tackling Indian spinners.
However, it seems the England batters looked to be challenged more by India’s seamers, especially Jasprit Bumrah who has taken 15 wickets in the first two matches, including nine in Visakhapatnam where he delivered some deadly deliveries to get rid of some top opponent batters.
England will also have an eye on the World Test Championship as they are currently languishing at the eighth position, below the likes of Bangladesh and the West Indies, despite winning the first match. India, on the other hand, reached the No.2 position following their win in the second match.
