India will head into the third Test against England at Lord’s, starting July 10, with renewed confidence after a dominant victory in the second Test at Edgbaston. A significant boost for the visitors will be the return of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, confirmed by captain Shubman Gill. His inclusion will likely lead to changes in the playing XI that leveled the series.
Jasprit Bumrah Returns to Bolster Pace Attack
After being rested for the second Test as part of workload management, Jasprit Bumrah is set to make his comeback for the crucial third match at Lord’s. Captain Shubman Gill explicitly stated “Definitely” when asked about Bumrah’s availability, highlighting the team’s plan to utilize him on a pitch expected to offer more to seamers. Bumrah’s return will significantly strengthen India’s bowling attack, providing crucial breakthroughs with his pace, swing, and accuracy.
Who Makes Way? The Two Players Likely OUT
Bumrah’s return means at least one change to the bowling unit that performed admirably at Edgbaston. Given the strong performance of Akash Deep, who took a sensational 10-wicket haul on debut in the second Test, it is highly improbable he will be dropped. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna also bowled well, with Siraj picking up a six-wicket haul.
The most probable players to make way for Bumrah are:
- Akash Deep: While Akash Deep had a dream debut with a ten-wicket haul, the management’s pre-series plan to manage Bumrah’s workload, coupled with the need to rotate pacers in a long series, might see Akash Deep rested. Although his performance was exceptional, it’s a strategic decision rather than a form-based one.
- Another Pacer/All-rounder: Depending on the pitch conditions and team balance, another player might be rested. However, considering the batting depth India aimed for in the second Test, it’s more likely a like-for-like replacement in the pace department. If India opts for an extra batsman or wants to strengthen the spin department, then someone like Washington Sundar or Nitish Kumar Reddy might also be considered for rotation. Given the strong showing of the current pace trio, the most direct change would be a pacer.
India’s Likely Playing XI for the 3rd Test at Lord’s:
With Jasprit Bumrah’s confirmed return and India’s strategy for the series, here’s the likely playing XI for the third Test:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (Left-hand opener)
- KL Rahul (Right-hand opener/Wicketkeeper)
- Karun Nair (Right-hand middle-order)
- Shubman Gill (Captain, Right-hand middle-order)
- Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper, Left-hand middle-order)
- Nitish Kumar Reddy (All-rounder, Right-hand batting, Right-arm medium)
- Ravindra Jadeja (All-rounder, Left-arm orthodox, Left-hand batting)
- Washington Sundar (All-rounder, Right-arm off-break, Left-hand batting)
- Mohammed Siraj (Right-arm fast-medium)
- Jasprit Bumrah (Right-arm fast)
- Prasidh Krishna (Right-arm fast-medium)
This XI provides a strong batting lineup with depth and a potent bowling attack, spearheaded by the returning Jasprit Bumrah, crucial for challenging England at the “Home of Cricket.”
