England V India Test Match Series 2021

Finally the England selectors have put Sibley out of his misery & dropped him from the Test side, & squad. Coach Silverwood has said that he needs to regain confidence & rhythm at County level & he is still in their plans. That's fine, but wont really get to the main issue of his technique, which isn't suited to opening the batting at International level. he struggles to score on the offside, making it easy for sides to limit his options on the onside, the runs totally dry up, & he gets himself out a lot. When you consider that we only play 6 batsmen, is Sibley in the top 6 in England ? No, is he one of the countries 2 best opening batsmen ? I really hope not.

Mark Wood, is out of the 3rd Test, & his injury will be assessed, after this match. With no natural replacement in the squad Mahmood would be my choice, & please, stop picking Sam Curran.

Team for 3rd Test

Hutton
Boycott
Trott
Root
Pietersen
Stokes
Botham
Russell
Swann
Anderson
Trueman

^ Botham not available as flying all expenses paid First Class to Australia to participate in UK Trade Envoy work (believed to be numerous visits to wineries)

3rd Test Headingley
India won the toss & have elected to bat
India field an unchanged side, England, bring in Malan & Craig Overton, with Sibley & Wood out.

India are 56/4 at lunch.
Anderson with 3 wickets, Robinson with 1.

All four batsmen caught behind by Buttler.

78 all out. And India won the toss and decided to bat on a decent wicket.

Anderson managed to pick a good ball, which seamed a lot.

Well whatever fired England up this morning it worked now to hopefully bat the rest of today and tomorrow before maybe a fun Friday Saturday

England really need to bat all day tomorrow and get at least 400+ which would then make them favourites to win or at least guarantee they don't lose!

3rd Test Headingley
India 78 all out (40.4 overs)
England 120-0 (42 overs)
England lead by 42 runs