ENG vs IND 3rd T20I Match Prediction: Pitch Report, Toss & C/VC Picks

The much-awaited third T20 International between England and India is set to be another thrilling duel between the two most powerful units in the white-ball format. As the series enters a crucial phase, both teams will look to build momentum and increase their chances of winning the series. England will rely on their aggressive batting philosophy and home advantage while India will look to maintain their balanced approach with a combination of explosive hitting, superb pace bowling and spin options.

The third T20I is also likely to be a high-scoring encounter but conditions, pitch behaviour and the toss could play a major role in the final outcome. Fantasy cricket fans will also find top Captain (C) and Vice-Captain (VC) picks for Dream11 and other fantasy platforms.

Here’s everything you need to know before the battle, whether it’s to prepare your fantasy team or just get an in-depth match prediction.

Head-to-Head Record ENG vs IND

England and India have played some great T20 Internationals in the last few years. England have historically taken advantage of home conditions, but India have always been a threat with their brave batting line-up and varied bowling attack.

Both teams have world-class match-winners who can change the course of a game in a few overs. This is one of the best rivalries in international cricket and their past matches have often clashed.

Whoever controls the tension in the middle overs and adapts to the conditions better will probably win the third T20I.

Pitch Report

The Kennington Oval surface is generally excellent for T20 cricket. The swing and seam movement of the new ball usually help the fast bowlers in the early stages of the innings. But as the batsmen settle in, it becomes much easier to play shots.

The short boundaries encourage aggressive batting and totals of over 170 are relatively common. Power hitters can take advantage of field obstacles during the power play, while spinners are usually more flexible in the middle overs.

As the game progresses, mist can play a bigger role, especially in games played in the evening. Captains who win the toss may choose to chase as the bowlers may find it difficult to handle a damp ball.

Pitch Features

• Early support from pacers
• Batting improves after power play
• Spinners work in the middle overs
• Dew may help chasers
• 175-190 First innings score could be competitive.

Fans will be expecting a more exciting run-fest with lots of boundaries and wickets overall.

Weather Report

The weather is forecast to stay favorable for cricket.

Predict the Toss

The toss can be crucial in deciding the match. Recent T20 matches at The Oval have highlighted the fact that chasing teams have a slight lead due to good batting conditions in mist and light.

Ideal Decision for Winner of Toss

Bowl first after winning the toss. Reasons include:

• Improved batting conditions later
• Spin efficiency for dew reduction
• Simpler goal calculations
• Chase success rate increased

Likely Playing XI England

• Jos Buttler
• Phil Salt
• Ben Duckett
• Harry Brook
• Liam Livingstone
• Jacob Bethell
• Jamie Overton
• Brydon Carse
• Adil Rashid
• Jofra Archer
• Reece Topley

England have one of the strongest batting depths in international cricket. They are deadly on batting friendly surfaces since they come hard from the first over.

The speed in the bowling attack is real and Adil Rashid is still the most consistent spinner for England in T20 cricket.

Likely Playing XI India

• Shreyas Iyer (Captain),
• Ishan Kishan (Wicket keeper),
• Abhishek Sharma,
• Vaibhav Sooryavanshi,
• Tilak Varma,
• Shivam Dube,
• Axar Patel,
• Harshit Rana,
• Ravi Bishnoi,
• Arshdeep Singh,
• Varun Chakravarthy

Players to watch

1. Jos Buttler (England)

England’s explosive opener is still one of the most damaging T20 batsmen in the world. If he survives the power play, there will always be a fifty or maybe a century.

2. Jofra Archer (England)

Archer’s pace, bounce and ability to bowl accurate yorkers have made him England’s main wicket-taking weapon throughout the innings.

3. Varun Chakravarthy (India)

The enigmatic spinner is still a vital weapon for India in the middle overs. His deceptive variety and partnership-breaking ability on batting-friendly surfaces could be crucial.

4. Shreyas Iyer (India)

Iyer’s achievements as a captain and top-order batsman will be under scrutiny with the added pressure of leading the team.

5. Phil Salt (England)

Salt always gets England off to a good start. He usually starts putting the bowlers under pressure quickly with his determination to attack in the opening six overs.

6. Arshdeep Singh (India)

Arshdeep’s ability to swing the new ball and deliver sharp yorkers in the death overs makes him India’s best threat with pace.

Fantasy Cricket Tips

• It is more important to build a balanced fantasy team than to pick the top players.
• Stick to top-order hitters as they can face maximum balls.
• Add at least one good all-rounder for bonus points.
• Death-over bowlers have a better chance of taking wickets.
• Pick one of the top four aggressive wicket-keeping batsmen.
• Don’t fill your team with spinners unless the pitch has clearly taken a turn.
• After the toss, keep an eye on the confirmed playing XI before finalising your fantasy team.

Fans can expect aggressive batting, excellent fast bowling, excellent fielding and a lot of fantasy cricket options. The series is tightly structured and every over will have an added importance which will make this one of the most anticipated matches of the tour. The official tour schedule states that this match will be played at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.

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