‘I will be amazed if Ravi Ashwin doesn't play’ – Michael Vaughan expects Team India to pick two spinners for third Test

Team India would like to continue their sensational run in the third Test against England. The encounter gets underway on August 25 (Wednesday) at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. With India being 1-0 up in the five-match series, a win in this contest would give them an unassailable 2-0 lead. Hence, stakes are incredibly high in the third Test and both teams must leave no stones unturned to emerge victoriously.

Although the visitors have been impressive against the Three Lions, questions have been raised over their playing combination. After all, Ravichandran Ashwin warmed the benches in the first two games. Arguably the finest spinner at the moment, Ashwin has been on a roll lately. However, in order to field a four-man pace attack, the team management couldn’t fit him in the line-up.

Ravindra Jadeja, owing to his all-round abilities, was India’s lone spinner in the line-up. However, he failed to take a single wicket. Hence, many fans and experts have been batting for Ashwin’s inclusion in the line-up. Former England captain Michael Vaughan also falls in the same category. Vaughan, in fact, claimed he’ll be surprised if Ashwin doesn’t get a nod for the upcoming game.

I think India will go with three pacers and two spinners: Michael Vaughan

“It looks like it’s a very good week, it’s going to be very dry, nice, and sunny so I’d be amazed if Ashwin doesn’t play this week. I think they will go with three pacers and two spinners, and I think that will be the right call at Headingley, it also packs the batting. Play your three out and out, outstanding quick bowlers,” Vaughan said on Cricbuzz.

The veteran also reckons veteran pacer Ishant Sharma could make way for Ashwin with the Headingly track expected to assist spinners. “Maybe Ishant Sharma would miss out even though he bowled a nice spell on the last day at Lord’s. The last few years after seeing the England team play there and even county cricket, it’s got quite a bit of spin. You can get a bit of spin. It generally comes on Day 3, 4, and 5 but spin can play a part at Leeds,” the 46-year-old asserted.