What Does England's Playing XI For The 3rd Test Signify About The Lord's Pitch?

Abhinav Tyagi

Jofra Archer - (Source : @Sandipan Banerjee/X.com)Jofra Archer - (Source : @Sandipan Banerjee/X.com)

On Wednesday, July 9, England announced their playing XI for the 3rd Test against India at the Mecca of Cricket—Lord's. The two teams will lock horns on Thursday, and the Three Lions have brought in their star seamer Jofra Archer.

England Make One Change For Lord's Test

The right-arm pacer marks his return after four years, with Archer replacing Joshua Tongue as the only change to the XI. England’s playing XI is:

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith (WK), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir

What Does England's Playing XI Say About the Lord's Pitch?

England have opted for three frontline pacers—Chris Woakes, Jofra Archer, and Brydon Carse. There was speculation that England might go with an all-seam attack and leave out Shoaib Bashir, especially given his expensive returns earlier in the series. Many pundits expected Gus Atkinson to play instead of Bashir.

Pace To Trouble Batters In First Few Days

However, the inclusion of Shoaib Bashir as the specialist spinner is telling. The first visuals of the pitch reveal a green top—something that would excite fast bowlers. However, the thick layer of grass is expected to be trimmed before play begins, and reports indicate the curators are keeping the pitch well-watered, which means plenty of moisture will remain.

This moisture will assist seamers early on, aided by the famous Lord's slope, providing swing and seam movement. The conditions are set to favour fast bowlers in the first couple of days.

Spin To Play Part On Day 5

However, as the match progresses, the surface is likely to dry out and deteriorate, especially from Day 4 onwards. This will bring spinners into play, which justifies Bashir’s inclusion. He could be crucial in exploiting the pitch as it wears, particularly on Day 5.

Conclusion

England have played a gamble as their entire planning relies on the toss. Coin flip will be the most important things in the third Test as the team winning the toss will opt to field first. Thus, the Three Lions will hope to win the toss and field first, asking India to bat first. 

If not, the decision to include Shoaib Bashir will turn on their heads as the right-arm off-spinner will have to bowl on Day 3 or Day 4 which will be suitable for the batters.