IND vs ENG | It will turn in Motera at some point; we have to be ready for that challenge, states Joe Root

India’s second pink-ball clash in the country would be against a strong English team, who have been the only side to come away from India with a memorable result in the last decade. But this time, the contest isn’t just India but pink-ball and how the pitch in Motera would react. While spin was expected in the first two Tests, the reports leading up to the game in Ahmedabad indicates another turner on offer. 

The Three Lions’ horrible loss in Chennai, combined with their rotation policy could lead to a dramatically different side taking the field in Ahmedabad. English skipper Joe Root, ahead of the third Test in Ahmedabad, stated that the ball will start turning in Motera at some point and the Three Lions would have to be ready for that challenge. 

"It's going to spin at some point, it's just a question of when. That's always the case when we come here. We experienced it very early in the last Test, it might not be the case quite so much this time around,” said Root in the online presser, reported The Independent. 

"It's been a tricky tour for our batters and they have responded well so far. We are here to win and produce results but we need to look to get better all the time too and the group has shown plenty of improvement," he added.

Sticking by their policy this tour, England are yet to announce their playing XI, which Root suggested that they haven’t yet decided. However, the Yorkshire batsman hinted at the possibility of them fielding the veteran pacers Stuart Broad and James Anderson together for the pink-ball clash.

“We haven't decided at the minute. We are going to take our time and give ourselves as much time before making the decision. We want to know how the pitch will look tomorrow morning. " 

"I think you can't write off those two (James Anderson and Stuart Broad). They will get opportunities to play together in the future for sure. There is a lot of life left in both of them as of now. There is a chance they will play together tomorrow (at the Motera)," he added.

Another worry for England going into the third Test is their batting unit, who have faltered under pressure in the second Test. However, with the return of Jonny Bairstow and Zak Crawley, England could revamp their playing XI for the pink-ball clash. 

"We have worked very hard as a whole on the batting side of things. The pink ball seam is harder so that will aid the spinners too. We are not focusing too much on one particular bowler but instead of playing what is in front of us,” he concluded.