'The first hour at Headingley is going to be critical' - Sachin Tendulkar advises England on how to win third Ashes Test in Leeds

The India batting legend, Sachin Tendulkar, came up with a few suggestions for Ben Stokes-led England, which can help them to successfully chase down the target in the ongoing third Ashes Test at Headingley. Notably, the hosts were 27/0 at stumps on a rain-marred Day 3 and needed another 224 runs to win the game. 

Tendulkar stated that Day 4's play will be crucial for both sides since it will probably decide who will prevail. The 50-year-old lauded England's positive mindset, however, suggested that the hosts should bat strategically in order to overcome Australia, who are already 2-0 up in the five-game series. In specific, Tendulkar adviced Stokes and Co. to be cautious about their shot selection, which would allow them to chase the target effortlessly.

"The first hour at Headingley is going to be critical tomorrow. I feel the wicket is playing absolutely fine and if England bat sensibly and are positive in their approach they will get there. They require discipline in their shot selection with a positive approach and the total will be chased," Tendulkar wrote on his Twitter handle.

Check out Sachin Tendulkar's tweet here:

The first hour at Headingley is going to be critical tomorrow.

I feel the wicket is playing absolutely fine and if England bat sensibly and are positive in their approach they will get there. They require discipline in their shot selection with a positive approach and the total…

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 8, 2023

England need 224 runs more to stay alive in the ongoing Ashes 2023 series

Trailing 0-2 in the five-match series, England chose to bowl first after winning the toss at Leeds. Despite an attacking century from the Aussie allrounder, Mitchell Marsh, England managed to bowl Australia out for 263 in their first innings. Marsh top scored with 118 for the visitors, while England's Mark Wood, Chris Woakes, and Stuart Broad grabbed five, three, and two wickets, respectively.

Thereafter, the hosts then struggled initially, but the all-rounder and home side's skipper, Ben Stokes, played a crucial knock (80 off 108 balls) as the hosts scored 237 in their second innings, with Australia holding a 26-run lead. Notably, Pat Cummins led his side from the front, claiming a six-wicket haul. Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc took two wickets, while Marsh and Todd Murphy picked one wicket each.

Meanwhile, Australia resumed Day 3 with a score of 116/4 in their second innings. When the game began, the tourists kept losing wickets at regular intervals after the rain washed out most of Day 3. However, Travis Head (77 off 112 balls) produced a valiant half-century as Australia scored 224 and set England a target of 251 runs to win.