Trent Bridge, August 18: India will look to not just save the series in the third Test against England beginning from August 18, Saturday, but also pride after the humiliating defeat in the second test at Lord's Cricket Ground. Meanwhile, England seem to be spoilt for choice as Ben Stokes is set to replace Sam Curran in the third test match.

Sam Curran had an exceptional game in the first test against India at Edgbaston, where he picked 4 wickets in the first innings and then went on to play a match winning knock of 63 runs in the second innings of England. India lost that match by 31 runs, chasing a target of 194.

Curran had a quiet game in the second test at Lord's Cricket Ground, the match in which James Anderson lay havoc, taking 9 wickets in the match. But he did score 40 runs in the only innings England batted. And many would say he didn't need to do much as Anderson and Broad combined to took 8 wickets in the second innings. India lost the match by an innings and 159 runs.

For India, the list of woes seem pretty much threatening as the top order continues to struggle. The middle order has also failed to click and step up when required except a certain Virat Kohli.

Hardik Pandya showed glimpse of a fight in the first test, but it seems the tag of an all-rounder is bogging him down. And he is not able to do justice to his role either. India might see Rishabh Pant replace the (completely) out-of-form Dinesh Karthik, who has managed the scores of 0, 20, 1 and 0 in the four innings he has batted in the series. The third test match will test not just India's skill but also the mental strength of the team, as India enter a do-or-die match on Saturday.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 17, 2018 08:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).