Rehan Ahmed, the young leg-spinner, received his visa to stay in India for the remainder of England’s tour, putting an end to uncertainties surrounding his participation.

Initially facing doubts due to an issue with his visa, Ahmed was granted a temporary visa upon arrival in Gujarat, allowing him to join the team for the third Test in Rajkot.

England’s Team Changes

England made a strategic change for the third Test, opting to play two seamers, Mark Wood and Jimmy Anderson, on what appeared to be a true pitch.

This decision led to spinner Shoaib Bashir being dropped from the side, with Rehan Ahmed being included in the playing XI.

Stokes on Visa Issues and Team Strategy

England captain Ben Stokes emphasized the need to focus on finding solutions rather than assigning blame for the visa issues faced by Ahmed and Bashir.

He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to adapt and move forward, highlighting the importance of unity and problem-solving in such situations.

Team Composition and Pitch Conditions

Stokes explained that the decision to play two seamers was influenced by the pitch conditions, which seemed conducive to reverse swing.

Despite the presence of some cracks that might make the pitch uneven as the game progressed, England felt confident in their decision to go with a two-pronged seam attack.

Stokes Downplays Personal Milestone

Ahead of his 100th Test match, Stokes downplayed the significance of the milestone, emphasizing that every Test match is equally important.

He reflected on his journey since his debut in 2013-14, noting the differences in leadership styles and the importance of staying true to oneself.

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