The Indian team has been witnessing a prime form in the ongoing five-match Test series against England. While the first Test at Trent Bridge ended in a draw, Virat Kohli and his men made a phenomenal comeback by winning the second Test at Lord’s by 151 runs. The two teams will now be locking horns with each other in Headingley for the third Test, scheduled to be commencing on on Wednesday (August 25), and the visitors would be high on confidence.

Notably, a win in the third Test would give an unassailable 2-0 lead to the Indian team in the series. Hence, Virat Kohli and his men must unleash their A-game in Leeds. Speaking of the upcoming match, former England spinner Monty Panesar reckoned the Headingley track can be expected to help spinners. Hence, veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who warmed the benches in previous games, will be expected to take the field at Headingley.

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Talking about the same as per the quotes in Inside Sports, Monty Panersar said, “I think Headingley is a pitch where bowlers tend to bowl a little bit shorter than they need to. Again, India may look to play two spinners possibly. India’s attack is really good and superbly strong. Maybe Mohammed Shami wants to have rest. That could be the opportunity for Ashiwn to come in.”

The former left-arm spinner also believes that the Indian team will be expected to extend extend their sensational run and win the third Test as well. He further added, “I think India have got a chance to keep up the lead. They continue to be aggressive. Once you have gone into such a position in the fray, India have put England on the backfoot. They would put pressure on England.”

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Notably, the ongoing series kick-started the second World Test Championship cycle. With 12 points at stake in every Test, both teams will not be a mood of leaving any  stone unturned in winning the remaining matches. As mentioned above, the visitors didn’t do much wrong in the first couple kf matches so far. While openers scored the majority of runs, the fast-bowling quartet has been too hot to handle for the English batsmen.

On the contrary, England have many departments to focus on. Except for skipper Joe Root, no English batsman has looked in fine touch. Also, the bowlers need to take wickets with the new ball to push India on the backfoot.