A spirted India will look to take the lead in the five-match T20I series against England when they take the field at Motera for the 3rd T20I. The disappointment, however, is there will be no crowd in the remaining three matches as urgent measures to control spread of COVID 19.

India are levelled with England 1-1 currently after a fascinating 7-wicket win in the last match. Even though Virat Kohli is in a mood to experiment in this series to close in on the batting order and squad for the T20I World Cup, the only change we might see in today’s batting line-up would perhaps be Rohit Sharma making an entry in place of KL Rahul.

Rahul’s poor run with the bat in last two matches and Kohli’s statement at the start of the first match that Rohit would be rested for the initial two matches certainly hint at his return. With Ishan Kishan having a memorable debut match, it’s highly likely Rahul will have to make way for Rohit as the second opener.

The middle order looks pretty settled and is less likely to experience any experimentation. Suryakumar Yadav had already been given his first international cap in the 2nd T20I. However, he didn’t get a chance to bat as India had wrapped up the win without losing too many wickets. It will be unfair not to give him another chance today (Tuesday) to be in the playing XI.

For England, Mark Wood may make a return after missing out on the last match due to a “not serious” injury.

“I think when a guy bowls 95 miles an hour in the first game and he misses the second, you’re always going to miss him. Particularly in the first game when there was a bit of pace in the wicket. Hopefully, he’ll be fit for the next game. If not, the fourth game.” Morgan said in a press conference.

As per reports, the pitch will be assisting spinners. So, both teams may rejig the bowling department a bit after assessing the turf. England might bring back Moeen Ali while India would probably look to play Axar Patel alongside Yuzvendra Chahal and Washington Sundar.