England are turning to speed and bounce at Lord’s in a bid to bounce back from their heavy defeat to India at Edgbaston. Head coach Brendon McCullum has requested a livelier pitch, while fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson are both back in the mix for the third Test.
Surface Change After Edgbaston Loss
The team’s leadership believes the slow surface in the previous match worked in India’s favor. Captain Ben Stokes admitted that bowling first was a misstep.
To avoid a repeat, McCullum has asked Lord’s groundsman Karl McDermott for a surface with more pace and bounce.
“It’s going to set up for a cracker,” McCullum said. “Especially if there’s plenty of life in it.”
India Expecting a Shift in Conditions
India, too, are preparing for a different Lord’s pitch. Captain Shubman Gill said, “Let’s see what wicket they give us at Lord’s. My guess is that it won’t be a flat one.”
India will bring back Jasprit Bumrah to their pace attack after resting him for the second Test.
Jofra Archer ‘Ready to Go’
Archer spent time bowling in the nets during the second Test, gradually building up after making his first-class return last month.
McCullum said, “Jofra is looking fit, strong, and ready to go. He’ll certainly be available for selection.”
Archer hasn’t featured in a Test since early 2021, sidelined by elbow and back injuries. Fittingly, his comeback might happen at Lord’s — the ground where he made his debut.
Gus Atkinson Back After Injury Delay
Atkinson has also been named in the 16-man squad after missing time with a hamstring strain. His past performances at Lord’s include a century and 19 wickets in two Tests.
“We need to have a good look at Gus,” McCullum said. “Our players have been through a lot lately. We’ll see how they’re holding up and plan accordingly.”
Managing Workloads After Long Field Stints
After 443 overs in the field across two Tests, England’s bowlers have been given recovery time. Tuesday’s optional training was canceled.
Fast bowlers Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and Chris Woakes will be monitored closely.
No Batting Promotion for Jamie Smith
Despite Jamie Smith’s standout 184 not out and 88 at Edgbaston, McCullum confirmed he will stay at No. 7.
“He does look world-class,” McCullum said. “But you wouldn’t have moved [Adam] Gilchrist, and I don’t think we should do that to Smith.”
Bashir Keeps His Spot
Shoaib Bashir will retain his place after a difficult match, where he took 5 for 286. That was the third-most expensive match haul by an England bowler.
McCullum defended the decision: “We believe he’s got an immensely high ceiling. He continues to improve.”
Jacob Bethell Stays as Batting Backup
Bethell, who worked on his left-arm spin during the last Test, is viewed as a reserve batter, not a bowling option.
“He’s the next one in if something happens,” McCullum said. “But we’re not crowbarring anything.”
The third Test begins Thursday, with England hoping the surface and fresh legs can tip the balance in their favor.
