Mark Wood returns to England’s bowling attack in place of Shoaib Bashir for third Test with India in Rajkot as Rehan Ahmed is included despite visa drama

England have made just one change for the third Test against India in Rajkot with the series tantalisingly poised at 1-1.

Fast bowler Mark Wood replaces Shoaib Bashir in the side for the match starting on Thursday as Ben Stokes opts for a two-seamer attack alongside Jimmy Anderson.

Rehan Ahmed makes the line-up despite another visa drama as England returned to India from their training camp in Abu Dhabi.

The 19-year-old leg-spinner was initially refused admission when England’s flight arrived after it was discovered his visa was only allowed for a single entry.

It followed the saga involving Bashir at the beginning of the tour when the youngster had to fly home from England’s initial UAE camp after the Indian authorities delayed his entry due to his Pakistani heritage.

Spinner Shoaib Bashir drops out of the side as England opt to field a second seamer

Stokes is set to make his 100th Test appearance for during the match but played down the significance of the game, stating: ‘it’s just a number’

This time the blame rested with the ECB, who missed that Ahmed’s electronic visa – unlike those of all other players and staff – did not have multi-entry approval.

That led to chaotic scenes at Rajkot’s new Hirasar Airport, where England’s flight back from their mid-series break was the first international one to land.

But the tourists found the Rajkot authorities helpful and Ahmed was granted an emergency 48-hour visa within 20 minutes. England were assured the paperwork can be arranged remotely to secure Ahmed the correct visa.

Stokes lines up in his 100th Test match as captain with most of the side the same from England’s 106-run defeat in Visakhapatnam.

England won the opening match of the five-Test series by 28 runs in Hyderabad.

Stokes was at pains to play down the significance of his milestone ahead of the contest. 

‘It’s just a number,’ he said. ‘Every Test is just as important as the next one. It doesn’t make much difference – 99, 100, 101.

‘I guess it’s a sign of longevity. I don’t want it to sound like I’m not grateful for the opportunities I’ve had. But the way to look at milestones is it’s not done until it’s done.’

Stokes came into a very different England side when he made his debut at Adelaide during the ill-fated 2013-14 Ashes tour. 

It was one that had reached the heights of No 1 in the world rankings two years earlier but was falling apart amid bitter divisions in the dressing room.

India captain Rohit Sharma (left) inspects the Rajkot pitch with coach Rahul Dravid (right)  

‘I was young and just taking it all in,’ said Stokes. ‘Every dressing room is different and back then the way it was led was more authentic to the guys in charge, Cooky and Andy Flower. 

‘That’s the good thing about leadership. If you’re loyal to how you want to be that’s a great thing. Do it in a way that is true to yourself.’