Test bowlers have very simple goals

Ahmedabad – India and England head into a crucial third Test starting tomorrow at the world's biggest cricket stadium with more than a series between two of the biggest rivals at stake, according to their pace spearheads Ishant Sharma and Jimmy Anderson.

With the four-match series tied at 1-1, both sides need a win in Ahmedabad to be able to keep alive their hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final against New Zealand.

India just need to win the series to get through, while England have to win by a 3-1 margin, while a tied series would let Australia through.

The tension is rising in both camps, who each registered a crushing win in the first two matches.

“We have got to win two Tests matches, it is as simple as it gets for us,” said Anderson who took crucial wickets in England's 227 run win in the first game.

England have “put to bed the disappointment” of their 317-run defeat in Chennai last week, the 38-year-old added.

The team are “refreshed” and “we are excited that we have still got the opportunity to qualify for the Test championship and to beat India in India, which is something that not many teams do.”

“I have just one thing on my mind,” responded Sharma, India's 32-year-old veteran who will be playing his 100th Test.

“That is to win the next Test, win the series and qualify for the World Test Championship,” Sharma said.

“I have just one format to play and this is like a World Cup to me. So if we reach the Test championship final and win, it's like winning an ICC World Cup.”

Authorities have said more than 50 000 tickets will go on sale for the first cricket game to be played in the revamped ground.

According to batsman Rohit Sharma, the pink ball, LED lights and the size of the ground will all add to the test of nerves. –