England one win away from topping rankings

Tremlett has been ruled out of Test with a back injury and will be replaced by Steven Finn [GALLO/GETTY]

A rampant England team brimming with confidence go into the third Test against India on Wednesday primed to claim the victory that would secure the world number one ranking from their opponents.

England, 2-0 up in the four-match series, will be without prolific batsman Jonathan Trott because of a shoulder injury, while India will miss their two most experienced bowlers, seamer Zaheer Khan and spinner Harbhajan Singh.

England fast bowler Chris Tremlett has also been ruled out of the Test with a back injury.

The England and Wales Cricket Board said on Tuesday that the paceman would now receive treatment in the hope he would be fit for next week’s fourth Test at the Oval.

The home team had already included Steven Finn in their squad as cover for Tremlett who missed the second-Test win in Nottingham because of a tight hamstring and back spasms.

India, top of the rankings for almost two years, have never won at Edgbaston in five Tests at the venue, losing four and drawing once.

Sehwag boost

Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s men will have to raise their game with a revamped bowling attack, though batsman Virender Sehwag may return after shoulder surgery.

“(Zaheer) will be a big loss as he’s the leader of their attack, he’s such a skilful bowler, especially in English conditions, he always bowls well here,” England fast bowler James Anderson told Sky Sports.

“It is a big loss for them but we can’t get carried away with one individual going home because they’ve got strength in depth and we know that whoever replaces him will have quality and we’ve got to look to get the better of him.

“We know they are going to come hard at us and we’ve got to try and match that. It’s their number one spot that they are defending so they have got a lot to play for.”

Sehwag’s return was welcomed by an Indian team  2-0 down in the series [GALLO/GETTY]

Leg-spinner Amit Mishra and Zaheer’s fellow left-arm paceman Rudra Pratap Singh are expected to come into the team, while a batsman will also be omitted if Sehwag is deemed fit enough to make his return to Test action.

England will have to change their team as Essex batsman Ravi Bopara has come into a 12-man squad for Trott.

“It’s an ideal opportunity for me,” Bopara said.

“I know it’s come off the back of an injury to one of our main players but nevertheless it’s an opportunity for me.

“I’m chuffed to bits that I’ve been given the opportunity and I can’t wait to start on Wednesday. I’m coming into a great side.

“We’re not No. 1 yet, that’s obviously the aim. It’s a great team to play for, there’s some great players and they’ve done a fantastic job.”

Despite the rioting in London, which spread to Birmingham on Monday, England captain Andrew Strauss said he has been given no indication that the third Test at Edgebaston will not go ahead.