India head to Lord’s for the IND vs ENG 3rd Test having restored parity with a massive 336-run win at Edgbaston. Shubman Gill receives a further boost, with Jasprit Bumrah available for the clash at Lord’s. Bumrah’s return is one certain change for India, while the selection of Karun Nair and Washington Sundar remains uncertain.
Bumrah went full tilt in a practice session at Lord’s on Tuesday. The Indian spearhead did not feature in Birmingham and bowled in the optional training session. With the surface expected to have some pace and bounce, Bumrah would be key to India’s chances in the 3rd Test.
India Playing XI: Bumrah returns, Karun Nair set for drop?
Bumrah’s return would likely mean Prasidh Krishna makes way. Prasidh has bowled better as the India vs England series has progressed, but Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj were show runners in Edgbaston. Deep, playing his first test of the series, picked up a 10-wicket haul. He is all but nailed in India’s playing combination for now. Gill would be keen to pay attention to Mohammed Siraj’s workload, but the pacer is for now set to feature.
Prasidh’s former Karnataka teammate Karun Nair could also face the axe. The 33-year-old’s comeback series has yielded scores of 0, 20, 31 and 26. Nair has looked largely nervous and even struggled in the training session on Tuesday as per reports. Should patience run thin, Gautam Gambhir could look at Sai Sudharsan. The 23-year-old was dropped after the 1st Test, but could return. Abhimanyu Easwaran is another option in the Indian squad.
The Washington Sundar dilemma
India roped in Washington Sundar for the Edgbaston Test. The move worked well, with the all-rounder scoring a valuable 42 in the first innings. He then dismissed Ben Stokes on the final day in India’s resounding win. While the TN all-rounder adds value, his inclusion on a green track would certainly raise eyebrows.
Gill and Gambhir could prefer an extra batter in Dhruv Jurel maybe, with 4 seamers depending on the surface. Nitish Reddy adds batting depth, but would leave the bowling a bit short. A specialist fourth seamer would extend India’s tail. Play both Shardul and Nitish? That would seem unlikely.
Predicted India XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj.
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