India vs England 3rd Test: Surface, Toss, Team Balance Key as Lord’s Battle Beckons

India’s turnaround in the second Test was nothing short of remarkable. After a  disappointing start to the series, they showed resilience, tactical clarity, and execution  under pressure. The adjustments made in terms of team selection and approach paid off  handsomely. What stood out was how well they adapted to conditions that were fairly  typical of the subcontinent – warm weather, a pitch that held together reasonably well, and  a toss that went in their favour after England made a questionable decision.  

But to focus solely on those external factors would be unfair to India. They built their  advantage patiently and ruthlessly, controlling the game from key moments and sealing  the result with authority. 

A huge part of that resurgence has been the emergence of Shubman Gill as a leader. Thrust  into a new role, Gill looked composed and precise in his execution. His batting reflected a  tighter technique, and his defence was very sound. In conditions where being solid in  defence is crucial, this discipline will serve him and the team well. The surfaces may have  been flatter than anticipated, but India’s batting unit made the most of it, posting big totals  and asserting themselves in the match. This run-making spree has given them momentum  and confidence heading into the crucial third Test at Lord’s. 

The return of Jasprit Bumrah is a welcome boost for India, but it also raises questions  about the composition of their bowling attack. The real challenge remains how to take 20  wickets in what is likely to be relatively docile conditions at Lord’s. The pitch there  traditionally doesn’t break up, and with the forecast indicating warm and sunny weather,  the likelihood of sharp deterioration is low.  

The surface is typically true and offers a fair contest, especially if there’s grass on Day 1.  India must keep this in mind – it’s not just about continuity or rewarding performances  from the previous Test. It’s about finding the right blend to dismiss England twice on a pitch  that won’t offer much assistance. 

Lord’s can be a tricky venue to read. Overhead conditions matter significantly, and while  the current forecast suggests a dry, warm Test, things can change. England would ideally  want a pitch with a hint of green and some early movement to justify bowling first.  Historically, Lord’s has allowed teams to bowl on the first morning and still chase well in  the final innings. That said, misjudging the pitch could be costly. If England bowl first and  the surface turns out to be flat under the sun, they could once again find themselves  trailing from the outset, as happened at Edgbaston. 

With that in mind, India may need to reconsider their bowling options. While Prasidh  Krishna showed promise and didn’t look out of place in the Test arena, he might be the one 

to make way. The ideal combination would be to go with a pace trio of Mohammed Siraj,  Bumrah, and Akash Deep, possibly bring Kuldeep Yadav back in. Kuldeep offers variety and  control, something that could be crucial on a placid surface. The temptation to play  Washington Sundar again is understandable, especially after his useful runs and utility  with the ball, but India must question whether he and Ravindra Jadeja together can take  the wickets needed in an innings. Jadeja’s batting remains a strength. But in my view, I  would go with someone like Kuldeep at Lord’s who may have the better chance of troubling  the English batters. 

England, too, have their own selection dilemmas. Jofra Archer looks likely to return, and  Chris Woakes is a near-certainty given his outstanding record at Lord’s. The more  complicated decision surrounds Gus Atkinson. The management might be keen to play  him, but concerns about his match fitness and rhythm could hold him back. In such a  scenario, Jamie Overton could get the nod. England need bowlers who can ask tough  questions and not allow the game to drift. Their attack lacked bite in the second Test, and  this must be addressed with urgency. England won’t mind a pitch that has pace and  bounce. 

Batting-wise, India have found a solid platform with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul setting  the tone at the top. The No.3 spot remains a topic of discussion, with Karun Nair and Sai  Sudarshan in contention. However, having already made a change for the second Test, the  think-tank might resist further tinkering. England, on the other hand, will be watching Zak  Crawley and Ollie Pope closely. Despite Pope’s century in the first match, his overall  consistency is still under scrutiny, especially with Jacob Bethell present in the squad.  Though unlikely to break into the XI just yet, England would want to keep Bethell ready,  potentially giving him opportunities in the remaining matches if form dips elsewhere. 

Some individual performances have illuminated the series already. Jamie Smith, in  particular, was a revelation. To walk in under pressure, with the team wobbling, and deliver  such an assertive innings alongside Harry Brook was remarkable. Their partnership not  only steadied the ship but also brought England back into the contest briefly. Doing so  against an in-form Indian team – even without Bumrah – is no small feat. It showed that  England still possess the firepower to challenge, but their game management has to  improve. 

The turning point at Edgbaston was clear – England’s choice to bowl first, and their inability  to seize the initiative at 200 for 5. Had they broken through at that moment, the narrative  could have been different. But once that chance slipped, the game slowly moved away  from them. This underlines how critical it is to get the big moments right, especially when  you bowl first.

The toss at Lord’s will therefore be pivotal. At 10:30 on Day 1, the captains will have to  make a call that could shape the course of the match. If the sun is out and the pitch looks  firm, England may have to bat first, even if it’s not their preference. If the skies are overcast  and there’s a hint of green, then bowling might be justified. It’s a fine balance, and the  margin for error is slim. Get it wrong, and England could once again find themselves  fighting from behind.