The Indian team made a remarkable comeback in the Third Test and secured a comprehensive victory over England, going one up to 2-1 in the five-match Test series. It was for the first time that the Indian team look settled, and it was not just an individual, but a collective effort that has breathe some life back into the series.

India’s openers Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul had a steady opening stand in both the innings, something which was missing in the first two Tests. Cheteshwar Pujara scored a patient half-century in the second innings, while skipper Virat Kohli carried his tremendous form in the match, scoring 97 and 103 respectively.

Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane was back amongst the runs. The batting unit performed collectively, and that’s what worked in their favour. As for Hardik Pandya’s exploits in the match, he sure would have gained a world of confidence after scoring a half-century and bagging a five-wicket haul.

The bowlers played their part exceptionally well with Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma and R Ashwin providing equal support. Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the bowlers as he picked up a five-wicket haul, too, in his comeback game.

The fourth Test match against England is only 24 hours away. It has been Virat Kohli’s habit of tinkering the final XI in every Test match he has captained. In all of 38 Tests that he has captained, he has played different playing XIs. Keeping that and a couple of other aspects in mind, it is likely that India will field a changed side in the fourth Test at Southampton.

Mohammed Shami looked out-of-bounds in the previous Test match. In both the innings he could scalp only two wickets; however, he went over four and five runs an over, respectively. Umesh Yadav can be a like-for-like change in the side.

As for another change, R Ashwin hadn’t bowled but practised batting in the nets session, yesterday. If he remains unfit, it is likely that Ravindra Jadeja can take his place in the side.

India’s Likely XI: Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (c), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, R Ashwin/R Jadeja, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Umesh Yadav.

Youngsters Prithvi Shaw and Hanuma Vihari will have to wait a little longer to find their place in the XI, just yet. However, with the Indian think-tank, you never know if any one of the two makes a debut on Thursday morning.

India is 1-2 down in the series and would be looking forward to series-equalling victory – something which Sir Don Bradman and Co achieved 82 years ago. Will they be able to rewrite history, remains the question. India and England will lock horns in the 4th Test, starting August 30.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 29, 2018 12:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).