With series locked at 1-1, this is the perfect opportunity for Team India to take a lead in the series, as the caravan heads to the home of cricket, Lord’s. England have made special plans to counter the Indian batting, and brought in pacer Jofra Archer, but the visitors seem to be prepared too, with Jasprit Bumrah back in the fray. On paper, Shubman Gill‘s India looks like the stronger side for now, but all depends on the combination they play.
That combination too, depends a lot on the pitch, and if they will go with two spinners or one. If they would continue to go with an extra batter, or no.. All those questions depend largely on the reading of the Indian captain, as to how the pitch would behave.
IND vs ENG 3rd Test, Lord’s pitch report
Traditionally, the Lord’s pitch is known to support the pacers, with no or little help to the spinners. That might just mean, that India don’t opt for Washington Sundar in this match, with Ravindra Jadeja as the leading spinner, especially in SENA nations. Given how the latter has bowled, he could be seen as an extra batter, who can throw down some overs, just to curtail runs.
All-in-all, the wicket sports a green look, with a lot of grass. That means, there won’t be much of a wear and tear of the wicket. One can expect tough batting conditions in the first innings, while the batting could marginally ease out by the third or the fourth day. Something similar, to what had happened in the WTC final, where South Africa had chased down 282.
Batters, if they dig deep, they could score big once again. So, it will be a wicket, where the bowlers will be rewarded for discipline, and the under fire Dukes ball, could finally show us some tricks.
India’s match-wise record at Lord’s in Last 5 Tests
| Winner | Date | Margin | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | Aug 12-16, 2021 | 151 runs | 364 | 298/8 |
| England | Aug 9-12, 2018 | innings & 159 runs | 107 | 130 |
| India | Jul 17-21, 2014 | 95 runs | 295 | 342 |
| England | Jul 21-25, 2011 | 196 runs | 286 | 261 |
| Draw | Jul 19-23, 2007 | – | 201 | 282/9 |
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