IND v ENG 2024: Michael Atherton unveils first look of pitch at Rajkot Stadium for 3rd Test

England has announced it's playing XI for the third Test in Rajkot a day before the match begins.

Former England captain Michael Atherton shared the first-look of the pitch at the Rajkot Stadium ahead of the upcoming third Test between India and England. The encounter will begin on February 14, 2024 with the series poised at 1-1.

England had won the first Test in Hyderabad by 28 runs, while India leveled the series in second Test in Vizag by 106 runs.

England has announced it’s playing XI for the third Test which sees the team going in with four proper bowlers including two spinners in Rehan Ahmed and Tom Hartley and two pacers in James Anderson and Mark Wood. They will be supported by Joe Root as third spinner.

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And Michael Atherton, while revealing the first look of the pitch in Rajkot, said that England playing an extra seamer was sensible move by the team management. The pitch for the third Test ahead of day one has some grass on it which might help the pace bowlers.

“Extra seamer seems sensible for England. Here’s the pitch at Rajkot, one day out,” Atherton posted on X.