IND vs ENG: England vice-captain Ollie Pope hints at selecting two fast bowlers for 3rd test

England included only one fast bowler in their playing XI for the first two IND vs ENG tests.

England’s No.3 batter and vice-captain Ollie Pope has hinted that there is a slight chance that the visitors might play with the two seamers for the upcoming Rajkot test against India which is going to start on Februrary 15, Thursday. The Ben Stokes-led English side has just used one specialist fast bowler in the first two test games of the five-match series against India.

Speedster Mark Wood played the Hyderabad test, whereas veteran fast bowler James Anderson featured in the Vizag test match. In the first test match against India, English seamer Mark Wood was seen bowling a total of 25 overs in the match without taking any wickets.

Wood was replaced by the experienced pacer James Anderson, who featured in the second game and ended up picking five wickets in 35 overs he bowled in the match against India. However, apart from Mark Wood and James Anderson, England have two other fast-bowling options in Gus Atkinson and Ollie Robinson, who are yet to play in the ongoing five-match test series in India.

On Tuesday, along with Mark Wood, right-arm quick bowler Ollie Robinson was seen taking part in the training session. However, it was noted that Wood had his left leg strapped, but he was able to take part in the full training session. Similarly, Robinson was also seen bowling longer spells in the nets, which might hint that he may get a go along with James Anderson in the crucial third test match against India.

The Rajkot pitch had a covering of grass two days before the match, and this might insist the English camp play with two front-line seamers. Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Februrary 13, England’s vice captain Pope said that there is a hint of grass on the wicket at the moment and the wicket is looking pretty good.

“If it stays like that, there’s every chance two seamers will be played,” batter Ollie Pope told BBC Sport.

“I don’t want to give away too many secrets, but at the minute there’s a little bit more grass on it. It looks a pretty good pitch.

The English vice-captain also told about the decision his side makes ahead of test matches. “We always like to make a decision here the day before the Test begins because conditions can change, especially with the heat on it all day.”

The ongoing five-match series is leveled at 1-1, with England winning the Hyderabad test and hosts India emerging victorious in the Vizag game.

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