IND vs ENG 2024: Here's a First Look at 'Greenish' Rajkot Pitch for the 3rd Test

Preparations for the third Test between India and England in Rajkot are in full swing with the curator busy with preparing the all-important pitch for the crucial encounter scheduled to get underway later this week.

The five-match Test series is currently locked at one-all after England stormed to a stunning win in the opener in Hyderabad before India bounced back to draw level in Vizag.

Also Read: Devdutt Padikkal Likely to Join Squad Today

Here’s how the pitch appears  two days out from the first day of the 3rd Test between India and England to be played at the Saurashtra Cricket Stadium.

The England cricket team flew to Abu Dhabi during the short break after the 2nd Test and have landed in Rajkot. They have been handed a big blow with spinner Jack Leach ruled out from the remainder of the tour due to an injury.

India have been hit harder by injury concerns though. KL Rahul, who skipped the second Test after complaining of pain in his right quadriceps, continues to be unavailable and will be replaced by Devdutt Padikkal.

“Devdutt Padikkal was busy with the Ranji Trophy. The round has ended today only and he will most likely arrive tomorrow and link up with the squad,” a BCCI official told CricketNext.

India are already without the likes of Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami with the former missing the entire five-match series due to personal reasons. On the other hand, Shami is recovering from an ankle issue and there’s no clarity whether he’ll play any role in the series.

India have dropped out-of-form Shreyas Iyer after a string of low scores although there were reports earlier that the middle-order batter has fitness concerns.

Meanwhile, India pacer Mohammed Siraj missed an optional training session on Monday. He was rested from the 2nd Test but is back in the squad for the remaining three matches.