England have named their XI for the third Test against India in Rajkot, announcing one change: Mark Wood coming in for Shoaib Bashir.
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There were doubts over Rehan Ahmed‘s availability, due to visa issues he faced upon landing in Rajkot, but he is now cleared to return to the team.
Shoaib Bashir, the off-spinner who made his debut in the second Test in Visakhapatnam, will make way for speedster Mark Wood, who did not play that game. James Anderson was the sole England quick for that match in Visakhapatnam.
It will be the first time England will go with two fast bowlers in the series, having preferred Wood in the first Test and Anderson in the other. It will be the first time since July 2023 that both Wood and Anderson have been named in the same XI.
Ollie Robinson has rated Jasprit Bumrah as “the best bowler in the world” and says the India quick’s success has prompted him to practice his slower ball.#INDvENG READ ⬇️https://t.co/B4WUTzyAgz
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) February 13, 2024
Bashir excluded, Rehan plays
Bashir missed out on selection for the first Test after a visa issue prevented him from entering India on time. He debuted in the second game, picking up four wickets across two innings.
Rehan Ahmed is confirmed to play after a visa issue upon arrival put doubts over his selection for the third Test.
Skipper Ben Stokes will be playing his 100th Test match.
England XI for the third Test in Rajkot
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes (wk), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood, James Anderson
