Third Test: England v India at Trent Bridge, 18-22 August.

[Arthur Crabtree]

High summer now and we're into the core of the season with the third Test at the home of swing in Nottingham. The weather promises to be cloudy throughout, with perhaps some rain on Sunday.

England have kept the same squad from Lord's but controversially recalled Ben Stokes who seems likely to be returned to the XI. For India, the leaves are saying that Kuldeep will be dropped and Pant may come in for Karthick who has an injury. Captain Kohli looks fit to continue. Two nil down with three to play for India makes this a must-win. Victory for England can allow them to retrieve from their archives the plan to rest Anderson and Broad.

[Dr Cricket]

Crucial test match for india, with India first innings defeat under Kohli and india first real crushing lost under Kohli.

Now it is time for Kohli and co to walk the walk and not talk about doing well they need to show it with a performance.

opportunity for someone to make a name out of them selves as well if india does come back in the series.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Someone change that title to third Test please!

Haven't had my cup of tea yet.

[Durhamfootman]

Test might be the wrong word, Arthur

'ordeal' might be nearer the mark

[The Professor]

Joe Root confirms his XI - Ben Stokes in, Sam Curran out

[Arthur Crabtree]

Poor Sam! Three games, batting at 37 and bowling at 23.5.

[Durhamfootman]

ah well.... that's England for you

new boy out, even though he offers genuine variation compared to the other 4 seamers, and even though this is a perfect series to bed him into the side ahead of sterner tests in the future

but then England don't do forward planning.

[andy]

Not too suprised about the change to be honest....Stokes was alwayhs going to play, they weren't gonna drop Rashid, you want a spinner in there just in case...and at the moment, I would have Woakes over Curran...but a very good 12th man to have.....India meanwhile look like they will hand a debut to Pant

[Arthur Crabtree]

Someone change the title of this thread!

[budgetmeansbudget]

All the debate about who should be dropped in the middle order and our openers are still shite.

I think potentially Curran will be a better batsman than Woakes as he seems to have a pretty decent technique for test cricket. Probably won't be as good a bowler, as when it ain't swinging, like Willey, he'll struggle.

One thing he has got in abundance is determination and he doesn't seem to suffer from nerves for someone with little test match experience. He's bound to get plenty more chances in the future.

[DiligentDefence]

Joe Root confirms his XI - Ben Stokes in, Sam Curran out

I'm singularly unimpressed by this decision but it isn't surprising. I hope Curran is released to play in Surrey's match against Lancs starting on Sunday. Far too many players have had their development messed by carrying drinks when they could have been playing elsewhere. Jimmy Anderson's early career comes to mind.

[Gingerfinch]

Sounds very harsh on Curran. We seem to be overloaded on allrounders but short on batsmen?

[bigfluffylemon]

Story of the last four years.

Trent Bridge is unlikely to be the venue where England's tip order woes are reversed. It's Cook's worst venue in England. Bairstow has done well here though.

[meninblue]

Have England as massive favorites unless there is a miraculous change in batting form of our 4 specialist batsmen as well as wicket-keeper.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Trent Bridge doesn't feel like the place where India's fortunes will change.

It's overcast too.

They Oval would suit better but it'll be too late by then.