In the upcoming third Test against India in Rajkot, England has made one change to their lineup, with Mark Wood replacing Shoaib Bashir. The decision to include Wood’s pace over Bashir’s off-spin was made by the selectors, and it’s understood that Rehan Ahmed’s visa issue has been resolved.
Ahmed, the teenage leg-spinner, encountered visa complications due to his single-entrance visa expiring during England’s mid-series break in the United Arab Emirates. However, he has been granted an emergency two-day visa to join the team.
With the series currently tied at 1-1 after the first two Tests in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam, England is adjusting their strategy for the Rajkot Test. This will be the first time in the series that England opts for two seamers, with Wood and James Anderson available for skipper Ben Stokes in his 100th Test appearance.
Explaining the decision to bring in Wood, Stokes highlighted the pitch conditions, noting that while the wicket may appear flat, they believe having an extra seamer will provide them with the best chance of success in the match.