England have requested a livelier pitch at Lord’s for the third Test against India, hoping to regain control of the series after a crushing 336-run defeat at Ed
With the series tied 1-1, Brendon McCullum confirmed that the team has asked MCC’s ground staff for a surface with “more pace, more bounce, and maybe a little bit of sideways movement.”
The call comes after England struggled on what McCullum and captain Ben Stokes described as a “subcontinent-style” wicket in Birmingham, where the decision to bowl first backfired. With just one training session before the Test begins on Thursday, England are expected to rotate their pace attack following a heavy workload over the first two matches.
Jofra Archer, who last played a Test in early 2021, is in line for a long-awaited return. He bowled extensively in the lead-up to the second Test and is being considered for selection at the ground where he made his debut. “Jofra is looking fit, he’s strong, and he’s ready to go,” McCullum said. “It’s hugely exciting.”
Gus Atkinson is also back in contention after recovering from a hamstring injury. He has an impressive record at Lord’s, including 19 wickets and a Test hundred in just two matches at the ground. England will assess fitness levels of bowlers such as Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue before finalising their XI.
India, meanwhile, will welcome back pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah after he was rested in Birmingham. Captain Shubman Gill expects a more challenging surface for batters, hinting, “It won’t be a flat one.”
Shoaib Bashir is set to retain his place despite conceding 286 runs at Edgbaston-England’s third – most expensive match figures. McCullum praised his development, calling him “a tough kid” with a “high ceiling.”
Jamie Smith, after a breakout performance with 184 not out and 88 in the second Test, will stay at number seven and continue as wicketkeeper. McCullum dismissed calls to move him up the order, noting, “You wouldn’t have done that to (Adam) Gilchrist.”
Jacob Bethell, added to the squad as a spare batter, has been working on his left-arm spin but is not being considered for a dual role at number eight.
