India takes top Test cricket spot as it meets England in Headingley
Indian men's cricket team has now taken the top spot in the World Test Championship (2021-2023) points table, with West Indies and Pakistan tied at second place. England is in the fourth place, with two points gathered in the drawn Trent Bridge Test.
The first Test ended in a draw in the ongoing England vs India Test series, but India staged an incredible performance to take the second game by 151 runs at Lord's Cricket Ground.
The third Test in the series got underway at Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds on August 25, with India opening the batting and losing two early wickets.
Riding on the confidence of the second Test victory, the visitors will look to seal the third Test, while England will be keen to level the five-match series.
"We are not taking it lightly; whatever happened in the last game was special, but we have moved on, and we are focused on the next Test," India Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane said during a pre-match virtual press conference.
On the other hand, England skipper Joe Root said the addition of left-handed batsman Dawid Malan would bolster the top-three of his side and, hopefully, it will result in a good outcome in the upcoming third Test.
Malan said: "India are a very well-led side. Virat, the way he goes about his business is very infectious. He drags a lot of guys with him. They have a lot of depth in both batting and bowling.
“They have bowlers who can win Test matches in all conditions as they showed in Australia and now, here in the last Test match. They have a lot of depth, and they are fantastic competitors."
The Test series has been branded quite aggressive on the pitch and according to a media report in ‘Telegraph Sports’ there was even a heated confrontation at the Lord's Long Room after the third day's action in the second Test. Captains Root and Kohli are said to have exchanged words on their way to the dressing rooms.
The stage is all set for another entertaining on-field clash at Headingley.
(ANI)