New Delhi: After England skipper Ben Stokes complained of the Edgbaston track being of ‘subcontinent’ style, the hosts have reportedly asked for a pitch with “plenty of life in it” at Lord’s for the upcoming third Test against India. India thrashed England by 336 runs in the second Test at Edgbaston to record their biggest away win in the longest format and level the five-match series 1-1.
Akash Deep wreaked havoc with the ball as he picked up a ten-wicket match haul to help India skittle out England for a paltry 271 in their second innings on Day 5 and register their maiden Test victory at Edgbaston. Aiming to bounce back at Lord’s, England are reportedly mulling changes in their pace attack for the third Test and are preparing for the return of both Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson.
While Archer, who recently made his domestic comeback, was with the England squad during the second Test against India at Edgbaston, England added Atkinson to their squad for the third Test on Monday. The duo might be included in the hosts’ playing XI for the Lord’s Test, which is set to get underway from July 10.
As per ESPN Cricinfo, England head coach Brendon McCullum and skipper Stokes believe they played into India’s hands with a ‘subcontinent style’ pitch and the decision to bowl first at Edgbaston. England are now keen to utilise their home advantage and have asked the curators for more pace and bounce from the pitch at Lord’s.
“It’ll be a blockbuster either way, but I think it’s going to set up for a cracker – especially if there’s plenty of life in it [the pitch],” said England head coach McCullum, who has requested MCC head groundsman Karl McDermott for more pace, bounce and sideway movement from the Lord’s track.
Jofra Archer available for selection: McCullum
McCullum also confirmed that Archer is available for selection for the third Test after missing the first two matches of the ongoing series. Archer made his comeback in County cricket for Sussex last month after recovering from elbow and back injuries. He has not played Test cricket for England since 2021, but looks set to make his comeback in the ongoing series against India.
“He’ll certainly be available for selection. Our seamers have gone two Tests on the spin and we’ve got a short turnaround before we head down to HQ. We’ll let the dust settle on this one, but Jofra is looking fit, he’s looking strong, he’s looking ready to go, and he’ll come into calculations. It’s hugely exciting,” McCullum said on Archer’s potential return in the Lord’s Test.
England have played the first two Tests with a limited pace attack in the absence of the likes of Archer, Atkinson and Mark Wood. Their pacers have been comfortably outbowled and outshone by the Indian pacers. The hosts will be looking to make changes in their bowling attack for the third Test at Lord’s as they aim to bounce back in the series.