The much-anticipated third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 between India and England kicks off on July 10 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, with the series poised at 1-1. England’s announcement of their playing XI has generated significant buzz, particularly with the return of pace sensation Jofra Archer to Test cricket after a four-year hiatus. However, the exclusion of Gus Atkinson, a promising fast bowler with an impressive record at Lord’s, has raised eyebrows. This article delves into the key storylines, including Archer’s comeback, Atkinson’s omission, the Lord’s pitch dynamics, and what fans can expect from this crucial clash.
Jofra Archer’s Long-Awaited Test Return
Jofra Archer’s inclusion in England’s playing XI for the third Test marks a significant moment in the series. The 30-year-old fast bowler, known for his fiery pace and ability to unsettle batters, last played a Test match in February 2021 against India in Ahmedabad. Since then, persistent elbow and back injuries sidelined him from red-ball cricket, limiting his appearances to white-ball formats, including the T20 World Cup 2024 and IPL 2025 with Rajasthan Royals.
Archer’s return is a major boost for England, who are looking to rebound after a crushing 336-run defeat to India at Edgbaston in the second Test. His selection replaces Josh Tongue, the series’ leading wicket-taker with 11 wickets, who was dropped due to the heavy workload he endured in the first two Tests. England captain Ben Stokes expressed confidence in Archer’s readiness, stating, “The way he’s got himself back on the field playing cricket over a long period of time now, it’s exciting to have him back in the squad.” Stokes dismissed concerns about Archer’s fitness, emphasizing that the pacer is “100 percent ready” for the rigors of Test cricket.
Archer’s Test record speaks to his potential impact. In 13 Tests between 2019 and 2021, he claimed 42 wickets at an average of 31.04, including three five-wicket hauls. His memorable performance at Lord’s during the 2019 Ashes, where he delivered ferocious spells, remains etched in cricket fans’ minds. However, his long absence from the format has led to cautious optimism. Former England captain Nasser Hussain called Archer’s return a “gamble,” noting the physical demands of Test cricket compared to white-ball formats. “The adrenaline of a Test match, especially as a bowler, is different,” Hussain remarked on Sky Sports.
Archer’s inclusion is expected to add firepower to England’s pace attack, which struggled to contain India’s batting might at Edgbaston. With India welcoming back their spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for the second Test, the stage is set for an enthralling battle between two of the world’s premier fast bowlers. Archer’s ability to bowl at high pace, as demonstrated during a recent Sussex first-class match where he bowled 18 overs, could pose fresh challenges for India’s batting lineup, which has already amassed nearly 1,900 runs in the series, including five individual centuries.
Gus Atkinson’s Surprising Omission
While Archer’s return has dominated headlines, the exclusion of Gus Atkinson from the Lord’s XI has sparked debate. Atkinson, a Surrey quick, was added to the squad after England’s loss at Edgbaston, signaling his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained against Zimbabwe in May. His record at Lord’s is formidable, averaging 10.94 with 19 wickets in just four matches, including a seven-wicket haul on his Test debut against the West Indies. Many expected Atkinson to bolster England’s attack alongside Archer, especially given the need for fresh legs after their bowlers were outplayed by India’s batters, led by Shubman Gill’s remarkable 430 runs in the second Test.
However, England opted for a single change, prioritizing Archer’s experience and potential impact over Atkinson’s proven Lord’s pedigree. Spin bowling coach Jeetan Patel had confirmed Atkinson’s full fitness before the Edgbaston Test, noting that he “may be back at full fitness” and could complement Archer in the lineup. Stokes’ decision to stick with Brydon Carse and Chris Woakes alongside Archer suggests a strategy to balance experience with pace, though it leaves Atkinson on the sidelines for now. Posts on X speculated that including both Archer and Atkinson could strain England’s bowling resources, especially with spinner Shoaib Bashir struggling to create pressure, potentially necessitating another seamer like Sam Cook or Jamie Overton.
Atkinson’s omission is particularly surprising given England’s need to counter India’s potent pace attack, which will feature Bumrah, Akash Deep, and Mohammed Siraj at Lord’s. Akash Deep, Bumrah’s replacement in the second Test, was instrumental in India’s victory, dismissing Ollie Pope three times in 20 balls across the series. Atkinson’s ability to bowl long spells and exploit Lord’s conditions could have been a valuable asset, but England appears to be banking on Archer’s X-factor to turn the tide.
Lord’s Pitch and Tactical Considerations
The Lord’s pitch is expected to play a pivotal role in the third Test, with conditions likely to favor pace bowlers early on. Historical data suggests that teams winning the toss at Lord’s often choose to bowl first, as the pitch offers swing and seam movement with the new ball. India’s pace trio of Bumrah, Deep, and Siraj is likely to exploit these conditions, putting pressure on England’s top order, particularly Ollie Pope, who has struggled against Deep’s nagging line and length.
England’s bowling attack, comprising Archer, Woakes, Carse, and spinner Shoaib Bashir, will need to adapt quickly. Bashir’s lack of wicket-taking threat at Edgbaston exposed England’s over-reliance on their seamers, and his role at Lord’s will be under scrutiny. Posts on X suggest that England might consider replacing Bashir with another quick to manage Archer’s workload, but the announced XI retains the spinner, indicating confidence in his potential to exploit any turn later in the match.
India, meanwhile, faces selection dilemmas of their own. Captain Shubman Gill has hinted at possibly opting for just one spinner—either Ravindra Jadeja or Washington Sundar—to accommodate their strong pace attack. This strategy aligns with Lord’s conditions, where pace has historically dominated. India’s batting, led by Gill, Rishabh Pant, and others, will aim to continue their aggressive approach, having recovered from a tough loss at Headingley in the first Test to dominate at Edgbaston.
The toss will be critical, with both teams likely to bowl first to capitalize on early moisture in the pitch. Weather forecasts for July 10-14, 2025, indicate partly cloudy conditions, which could enhance swing bowling, making Archer’s return and Bumrah’s presence even more significant.
England’s Squad and Strategy
England’s playing XI for the third Test 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. The retention of Woakes and Carse, despite their underwhelming performances at Edgbaston, reflects Stokes’ faith in their ability to bounce back. Woakes, in particular, will be crucial with the new ball, while Carse’s raw pace could complement Archer’s express speed.
The decision to drop Tongue, who has been England’s most successful bowler in the series, underscores the team’s intent to manage workloads carefully. Tongue’s 11 wickets at an average of 33.63 made him a standout, but his heavy bowling stint across the first two Tests likely prompted his rest. Stokes’ own bowling fitness adds depth to the attack, allowing England to manage Archer’s overs carefully, a point emphasized by former pacer Stuart Broad.
India’s confirmed return of Jasprit Bumrah strengthens their bowling unit, which already proved formidable without him at Edgbaston. Akash Deep’s emergence as a reliable seamer and Mohammed Siraj’s experience make India’s attack a daunting prospect. England will need their top order—Crawley, Duckett, Pope, Root, and Brook—to fire to counter India’s bowling and build on their first Test chase of 371 at Headingley.–
Looking Ahead
The third Test at Lord’s, starting July 10, 2025, promises to be a defining moment in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Jofra Archer’s return after four years adds a layer of intrigue to England’s bid to take a series lead, but the absence of Gus Atkinson raises questions about their bowling depth. With India’s Jasprit Bumrah back in the fold and their batting in top form, the stage is set for a high-stakes battle at the home of cricket. Fans can watch the action live on Sky Sports Cricket from 10am Thursday (11am first ball) or stream without a contract.
As both teams vie to become “Lord of the Lord’s,” the outcome of this Test could shape the series’ trajectory. Will Archer’s pace ignite England’s campaign, or will India’s formidable attack and batting prowess prove too strong? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this clash will be a spectacle for cricket fans worldwide.
