ENG vs IND 3rd Test Match Prediction [Source: @BCCI, @englandcricket/x.com]
India and England are all set to lock horns in the third Test of the five-match series, starting Thursday, July 10 at the Lord’s Cricket Ground. The action will kick off at 3:30 PM IST and with the series tied at 1-1, this Test promises to be a mouth-watering contest.
India
India roared back in style at Edgbaston, levelling the series with a massive 336-run win. Captain Shubman Gill was the architect, smashing a double ton and a century across the two innings while Akash Deep ran riot with 10 wickets, announcing himself in grand fashion.
With Jasprit Bumrah set to return from rest, Prasidh Krishna is expected to make way. The rest of the XI looks settled, although there is a slight chance that Kuldeep Yadav might come in for Nitish Reddy if the pitch shows signs of aiding spin.
England
After edging the first Test at Leeds, England were handed a reality check in Birmingham. Their bowlers, especially the pacers, struggled to make inroads and the flat Edgbaston track didn’t help their cause.
Heading into Lord’s, England have shaken things up. They have left out Josh Tongue from the playing XI and have included Jofra Archer, who is set to make a comeback to Test cricket after four years. With a juicy green pitch on offer, Archer will be raring to let it rip at the Home of Cricket.
ENG vs IND Head-to-Head In Tests
Categories
India
England
Matches Played
138
138
Matches Won
36
52
Matches Lost
52
36
Matches Drawn
50
50
How Will The Lord’s Pitch Behave?
Lord’s has shown variable bounce of late. In the WTC Final last month, some deliveries reared up while others stayed low which made life tricky for both batters and slip fielders. That led to misjudged shots and mistimed catches, especially early in the game. England are expected to roll out a green top, loaded with pace and bounce to play to their seamers’ strengths.
The Dukes ball will swing early and seamers should get lateral movement through the first two days. Batting first is likely the preferred choice if the sun is out, as chasing in the fourth innings on a deteriorating pitch could be treacherous.
Shubman Gill is leading from the front with the bat as he has scored 822 runs in his last 7 matches at an impressive average of 63.23 and a steady strike rate of 68.04. With a double century and a hundred in the last Test, he is carrying India’s hopes at the top.
Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant continues to be India's game-changer in the middle order. In his last 10 matches, he has piled up 858 runs at an average of 45.16 while striking at 75.13, showing just how dangerous he can be when in flow.
Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah is expected to return to the XI fresh and hungry. He has been lethal of late, picking up 40 wickets in his last 8 Tests at an economy of just 2.9 and a strike rate of 35.4, numbers that underline his match-winning impact.
England
Ben Duckett
Ben Duckett has been rock-solid for England at the top. He has smashed 911 runs in his last 10 matches, averaging 50.61 with a rapid strike rate of 88.7.
Harry Brook
Harry Brook is in red-hot form and a key middle-order asset. He has scored 1083 runs in his last 10 matches at an average of 63.71 and a brisk strike rate of 85.47, making him a serious threat to India’s bowlers.
Brydon Carse
Brydon Carse has emerged as England’s X-factor with the ball as he has snagged 33 wickets in his last 7 matches at an economy of 3.65 and a strike rate of 42.39. His bounce and accuracy make him lethal, especially at Lord’s.
Today’s Match Prediction: ENG vs IND 3rd Test
India: Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah England: Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse
ENG vs IND 3rd Test: Predicted Score
Predicted first innings score: 290-320 Predicted second innings score: 270-300 Predicted third innings score: 230-250 Predicted fourth innings score: 150-180
Predicted Result: Depending on the conditions, the team batting first will have an edge in the match.