England, still reeling from their heavy 336-run defeat in the second Test of the five-match series against India, has now demanded a pitch that will assist fast bowlers for the third Test. The match is scheduled to be held at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground from July 10.
Pacer Jofra Archer is all set to return to England’s playing XI, while Gus Atkinson has also made his way back into the squad. Archer, who has been recovering from elbow and back injuries, is ready to make his Test comeback after a long gap — he last played a Test match in February 2021.
Atkinson had missed the first two Tests due to a hamstring issue, and his return is expected to strengthen England’s pace attack. Head coach Brendon McCullum stated that he has requested MCC’s head groundsman Karl McDermott to prepare a surface with “a bit more pace, bounce and swing.” McCullum also cited the World Test Championship final last month, where bowlers like Pat Cummins and Kagiso Rabada were successful in extracting swing.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, McCullum said, “It’s going to be a blockbuster no matter what. But I believe if the pitch offers assistance to fast bowlers, it will be a brilliant contest.”
Interestingly, England had previously favoured flat tracks that suited their aggressive style of play. They secured a five-wicket win in the first Test at Leeds on a bouncier surface, but suffered a crushing loss at Edgbaston under more subcontinental-like conditions.
Before the second Test, Jofra Archer had already begun training with the England squad. On his potential inclusion, McCullum added, “He’ll certainly be available for selection. Our fast bowlers have performed well in the two Tests, and now we need to monitor Atkinson’s recovery from injury.”