India vs New Zealand 3rd Test - Key Changes Expected

The 3rd and last fixture of the India vs New Zealand Test series is scheduled to begin on 1st November at the Wankhede Stadium. Team India has already lost the series as they have lost the first two Tests but they still have a chance to end the series on a positive note.

After 12 years of winning streak at home, Team India was stunned by the Kiwis in the 2nd Test. It will be a new beginning for the hosts all together and they still have a chance to end the series on a positive note.

Check out the cricket betting tips for free for India vs New Zealand 3rd Test match.

New Zealand is currently at the 4th spot in the World Test Championship and with a series win, they have improved their chances to travel to Lord’s for the final game. After their series loss against Sri Lanka, New Zealand has bounced back well in the longest format of cricket.

Team India, on the other hand, is still at the top of the WTC point table. However, they are still in desperate need of a win before the start of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Key Performers in the 2nd Test

Batting

Bowling

India vs New Zealand 3rd Test - Key Changes Expected

Bumrah to Rest - Siraj to Lead Pace Attack

One change that is expected to take place for the 3rd Test will be the return of Mohammed Siraj. He will be replacing Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah is an all-format player for team India and he needs rest before the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In his absence, Mohammed Siraj will be expected to take the lead.

Mohammed Siraj vs New Zealand in Test

Mohammed Siraj - Test Career Stats
 

Kane Williamson to Remain Absent

It is a setback for the team and for Kane Williamson as he has failed to recover from his injury to appear for the 3rd Test. At first, he was expected to return in the 2nd Test but then the management provided an update and announced his return in the 3rd Test. However, Kane is still at home going through his recovery process. Williamson got injured during the ODI series against Sri Lanka and during his rehabilitation process, the New Zealand star batter failed to receive on time.

Will Young has replaced Kane at number 3 in the batting lineup. However, Young has failed to make an impact and his below-average performance at the start has highlighted the vulnerability of the team at the top order.

The Return of KL Rahul

KL Rahul has been omitted from the 2nd Test considering his constant below-average performance in red-ball cricket. Team India tried the combination of going with Shubman Gill at the start and Sarfaraz Khan in the middle order. However, Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir might give another chance to KL Rahul and rest Sarfaraz Khan. Shubman Gill is well-settled at number 3 and he will be expected to play for the team in the last Test. KL Rahul might make it to the team in the middle order with the rest of the batting lineup remaining as it is.

The online betting sites in India have uploaded the best odds for the India vs New Zealand 3rd Test.

READ NEXT

Plunket Sheild 2024-25 Teams, Squads and Players List

Plunket Sheild from New Zealand domestic cricket is all set to begin in mid-November 2024.

View

IPL 2025 - One Player from Each Team Who is Probably Getting Retained

In this article, we have compiled a list of players from every franchise who are probably getting retained for IPL 2025.

View