Cricket

India vs England 3rd T20 Tips – Sixes Galore Predicted In Batting-Friendly Rajkot

By Nikhil Kalro

05 Feb 2025

Nikhil Kalro 05 Feb 2025

Share this article

India leads 2-0 in the T20 series against England
England struggles with spin; improvement needed on batting-friendly Rajkot pitch
Back the sixes to flow in Rajkot

India and England (Getty Images)

India vs England Third T20 Preview
India Form
India Team News
England Form
England Team News

India vs England Third T20 Preview

England put in a spirited performance to push India all the way in the second match but it was still not enough as the hosts came away with a 2-0 series lead in Chennai. England fought hard with the ball but their score was well below par for a fast outfield and a good batting pitch.

Batting first, England could only manage 165 for 9. That score was led again by captain Jos Buttler, who scored 45 off 30 balls with two fours and three sixes. However, it was Brydon Carse who provided the impetus late in the innings with 31 off just 17 balls to carry England up from 104 for 6.

India used five spinners in that innings with Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy picking up two wickets apiece while Abhishek Sharma and Washington Sundar managed one wicket each.

In response, England picked up regular wickets to keep the hosts in check. In fact, at one point, India were struggling at 78 for 5 but Tilak Varma produced another sparkling performance of 72 off just 55 balls to shepherd India home in a tricky chase. Carse continued his terrific form with figures of 3 for 29 from his four overs. All England bowlers picked up at least one wicket each.

India Form

India would want their batters to show a little more respect for the situation of the game as this series progresses, particularly when caution is advisable.

Still, this new-look Indian team does not lack exuberance or skill. That will be reason enough to back this team irrespective of the outcome.

“If you take on their best bowlers, other bowlers will be under pressure,” Tilak Varma said. “So, when the wickets are falling, I want to take their best bowler. It's easier for the batter at the other end also.

"So I backed myself and I took chances against him. And also whatever shots I have scored for Archer, I have worked in the nets. Mentally I was ready for that. So, it has given me a good result."

India Team News

India played the extra spinner in Washington Sundar in Chennai but the hosts may just favour more pace for the next match in Rajkot, where runs can be abundant.

England Form

England will be displeased with their batting against spin again. On a slow surface, there were simply too many shots from their best batters.

That strategy works well for them on most occasions but like India, tempering that aggression at certain moments may work in their favour, particularly in these conditions.

"Inside that changing room there tonight, obviously the guys are a little bit down, but I think ultimately as a whole, I think it's pretty evitable that the performance tonight was a lot better than the other night,” Carse said after the second match.

“But again, we haven't put a full, complete performance in, so it's exciting to see. Hopefully next game, we can put everything together."

England Team News

England won’t make wholesale changes to their team. They have a squad of players that coach Brendon McCullum will continue to trust even if results are not going their way. There may be some personnel changes for batting-friendly conditions in Rajkot.

Verdict

On short boundaries, England’s batters will simply go all out, which will give them a chance to upset India. Conditions won’t favour spin as much as at other venues too. India have also adopted a new form of aggressive batting, which is also suiting their new-look batting unit.

Over 14.5

Total Sixes

@-111.11 - 3 Units

Deposit $1500 Get $3000

with referral code NEWBONUS

Claim the maximum new Stake.com bonus offer now when you join with referral code NEWBONUS. Up to $3,000 free bet. Deposit up to $1,500 get 200% bonus up to $3,000. Deposit up to $1,500 get 200% bonus up to $3,000. New customers only based on first deposit. Min. deposit $10. Max. $1,500. Over 18s only. 40x wager requirement (wager & deposit). Max deposit $1,500. Level 3 KYC verification is required. Contact live support after deposit to claim. 200% bonus will be credited within 24-48 hrs. Bonus works in tandem with Stake's general T&Cs. Once activated you can check rollover progression in the VIP tab.

Bet at Stake.dk

Latest cricket news

See all Cricket