Kotak shares first take on Lord's pitch [Source: @ImTanujSingh, @im_sandipan/X.com]
As India prepare to play England in the third Test at Lord's, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has expressed his views on the pitch and what to anticipate. According to Kotak, the pitch at Lord’s looks green and will likely offer help to the bowlers.
India are heading into the third Test full of confidence after a massive 336-run win at Edgbaston. Shubman Gill led from the front with brilliant scores of 269 and 161. Akash Deep picked up a 10-wicket-match haul, while Siraj also chipped in 7 wickets in two innings.
Sitanshu Kotak Expects ‘Green’ Wicket At Lord’s
For the third Test, India and England will compete at the mecca of cricket, Lord’s Cricket Ground. According to India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, the pitch at Lord’s looks green and will likely offer help to the bowlers. Talking to press and quoted by TOI, Kotak said:
"Pitch is very green. We will get an idea after they cut the grass tomorrow. Can expect help for bowlers. Mindset will be key for the batters. Indian batters are very skilled, without doing anything extra, they are scoring close to four. I would not like to take credit for batters scoring runs, it is them. This wicket will be challenging, but not thinking too much about it.”
Despite the bowler-friendly pitch at Lord’s, Kotak believes the Indian batters are well prepared. He believes that the mindset of the batters will play a big role in how well they perform in these challenging conditions.
First Look Of Lord’s Pitch Out
India and England are set for a thrilling battle at Lord’s, with the pitch already making headlines. The surface, seen in recent photos, has a dense green cover, suggesting a bowler-friendly surface.
Following India's comprehensive victory at Edgbaston, where England toiled on a declining surface, the hosts appear keen on having a seam-friendly surface this time.
Brendon McCullum’s comments suggest a tactical shift from flat tracks to lively ones. With Jasprit Bumrah set to return, India’s pace attack looks even more dangerous. The third Test could become a true test of batting skill, especially under testing English conditions.