Following a significant defeat by 336 runs at Edgbaston, England is strategizing for a comeback in the third Test against India at Lord’s, commencing on July 10. The team has requested a pitch with more life to leverage the return of fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson. Archer, who has been sidelined since February 2021 due to elbow and back injuries, is poised for a much-anticipated return. Atkinson, who missed the second Test because of a hamstring issue, is also expected to strengthen England’s pace attack.

England’s head coach Brendon McCullum has expressed his desire for a pitch that offers more pace, bounce, and lateral movement, taking inspiration from the World Test Championship final where bowlers like Pat Cummins and Kagiso Rabada capitalized on seam movement. McCullum believes that such conditions will set the stage for an exciting match at Lord’s.

Historically, England has favored flatter pitches to complement their aggressive play style. However, the Edgbaston pitch provided conditions similar to those found in the subcontinent, which allowed Indian bowlers Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj to exploit more movement than their English counterparts, resulting in India leveling the series 1-1.

Jofra Archer has been actively preparing for his return, participating in training sessions with England before the second Test. His recent performances with Sussex have shown promise, and McCullum confirmed Archer’s availability for selection. The coach is optimistic about Archer’s potential impact on the game and hopes he can replicate and enhance his previous successes in Test cricket.

Gus Atkinson has also been included in the squad for the upcoming match at Lord’s. McCullum emphasized the need to assess Atkinson’s readiness following a demanding workload on England’s bowlers during the previous Tests. The team will evaluate their options before finalizing their lineup for what promises to be a thrilling encounter.