After India’s convincing win in the 2nd Test at Vizag, the action now shifts to Mohali for the 3rd Test. Even though India triumphed at Vizag, there is still scope for improvement in a few areas. Wriddhiman Saha is out with an injury and Parthiv Patel has been selected in his place. Parthiv is the youngest wicket-keeper ever to play for India and has been in good form in the Ranji Trophy. He gets another chance to resurrect his international career. The Indian coach, Anil Kumble has gone on record stating that Parthiv has been selected over Rishabh Pant because of his experience and superior wicket-keeping skills.

Jayant Yadav had a great debut in Tests and looks set to retain his place in the playing XI. Ajinkya Rahane is a little short of runs but it is just the law of averages catching up with him rather than a prolonged slump. Kohli and Pujara have both been in prolific form. England have come out publically saying that they realise that they need to get Kohli out immediately upon his arrival at the crease, as he has the tendency to score big runs once he gets off to a start.

England could make as many as 3 changes to their playing XI. Stuart Broad picked up an injury at Vizag even though he bowled manfully in during India’s 2nd innings. Chris Woakes is likely to play in place of Broad after being rested as a precautionary measure at Vizag. There is also an injury cloud over Zafar Ansari and Gareth Batty could be selected in his place. Ben Duckett looked out of his depth playing against off-spin in particular and could be replaced.

Jos Buttler is a gung-ho stroke maker and the England Coach, Trevor Bayliss hinted that he could be included in the playing XI in place of Duckett. Buttler last played a Test for England against Pakistan in October 2015 and has played just 1 First Class match for Lancashire since then. However, he has been in superb form in ODIs and his aggressive batting could be the tonic, England needs to hit the Indian spinners off their length.

“I think he’s coming to terms with the fact that the best way for him going forward is to play like he does in one-day cricket. He’s showing a lot of confidence in the nets and the nets spin just as much as the centre does and he’s certainly hitting the ball as well as anyone.”

“The way Jos bats, it doesn’t matter as long as he approaches it in the same manner and with the same mental approach. If he does play the next Test, I’m sure he’ll give it 100 per cent.” said Bayliss

In the past, the wicket at Mohali had a reputation of assisting the pace bowlers but in the last Test against South Africa a year ago, it was conducive to spin. There is talk that the wicket for the 3rd Test will once again assist the spinners. If that is the case, we could be in for another exciting Test.

Adil Rashid has been bowling better than he ever did for England in Tests and along with Moeen Ali can trouble the Indian batsmen. The toss could once again prove to be vital.

India has played 12 Tests at Mohali and have won 6, lost 1 and drawn 5. They have played England thrice at this venue and have won 2 and drawn 1.

Following are some of the interesting stats of the two teams at Mohali:

Sachin Tendulkar has played the most Tests for India with 11 to his name. He has also scored the most aggregate runs for India with 767. The highest individual score for India is 187 by Shikhar Dhawan.

Andrew Flintoff has played the most matches for England with 3 to his name. Kevin Pietersen has scored the most aggregate runs with 212 and has also scored the highest individual score by an Englishman with 144.

There have been 25 centuries scored in the previous 12 Tests at this ground of which 15 have been scored by Indians while 10 have been by visiting batsmen.

Anil Kumble has taken the most aggregate wickets with 36 while Andrew Flintoff has taken the most for England with 7. The best bowling figures by an Indian are 6/45 by Javagal Srinath in October 1999 while the best by an Englishman are 4/96 by Flintoff in March 2006.

There have been 14 five wicket hauls at this venue of which 9 have been by Indians and 5 by visiting bowlers.

The team winning the toss has batted first on 8 out of the previous 12 Tests. The highest score for India is 516 while the highest for England is 302.

Most fans will be hoping for another exhilarating Test.