The third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, set to commence on July 10 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, promises to be a pivotal clash in a fiercely contested series between India and England, currently tied at 1-1. England captain Ben Stokes has ignited anticipation by declaring that his team has devised specific strategies to counter India’s formidable batting lineup, led by the in-form Shubman Gill. With the return of Jofra Archer and Jasprit Bumrah to their respective sides, this match is poised to deliver high-octane cricket. This article delves into Stokes’ bold claims, the tactical shifts expected at Lord’s, key player battles, and the broader context of this crucial encounter.
Stokes’ Tactical Blueprint and England’s Response
England’s journey in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has been a rollercoaster. After a historic chase of 371 runs in the first Test at Headingley, England suffered a crushing 336-run defeat at Edgbaston, where India’s batters, particularly Shubman Gill, dominated proceedings. Gill’s monumental 430 runs in the second Test, including knocks of 269 and 161, underscored India’s batting prowess and exposed vulnerabilities in England’s bowling attack. In response, Ben Stokes has promised a robust counterattack at Lord’s, emphasizing that his team has “plans for all Indian batters.”
Stokes’ confidence stems from a strategic overhaul following the Edgbaston loss. The flat pitches in Leeds and Birmingham favored batsmen, allowing India’s top order to amass runs. However, Stokes has hinted at a “spicier” pitch at Lord’s, one that offers seam movement and leverages the venue’s unique slope, which runs 2.5 meters from one end to the other. This shift in pitch preparation marks a departure from England’s earlier “Bazball” approach of preparing flat tracks to outbat opponents. The return of Jofra Archer, who replaces Josh Tongue in the playing XI, adds a potent weapon to England’s arsenal. Archer, absent from Test cricket since February 2021, brings express pace and a proven track record at Lord’s, notably his fiery spells in the 2019 Ashes.
Stokes, speaking at a pre-match press conference, acknowledged the challenge posed by India’s batters, particularly Gill, but remained optimistic: “We’ve got plans for all the Indian batters, but good players are allowed to play well — and he’s played very well in the first two games.” This statement reflects England’s respect for their opponents while signaling a proactive approach to disrupt India’s momentum. Stokes also highlighted Archer’s return, noting, “It’s exciting to have him back. He’s worked incredibly hard to get to this position.” The inclusion of Archer, alongside Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Shoaib Bashir, suggests England is banking on pace and variation to challenge India’s batting depth.
England’s batting, however, remains a concern. Zak Crawley’s twin failures at Edgbaston have put him under pressure, while Stokes himself has struggled for runs, with his form drawing scrutiny from critics like India’s bowling coach R Ashwin. Ashwin questioned Stokes’ batting credentials, arguing that his aggressive approach, effective in T20, falters in Tests where patience is key. Joe Root, 45 runs shy of 3,000 Test runs against India, will be crucial for England’s hopes of posting a competitive total. Jamie Smith, with 356 runs at an average of 178.00, is another bright spot, but England’s top order must fire to counter India’s bowling attack.
India’s Batting Might and Bumrah’s Return
India, under Shubman Gill’s captaincy, has emerged as a formidable unit, with their batting lineup firing on all cylinders. Gill’s record-breaking performance at Edgbaston, where he became the first batter to score a 250-plus and a 150-plus in the same Test, has propelled him to sixth in the ICC Test rankings. His series tally of 585 runs underscores his dominance, and England’s plans will likely focus on neutralizing him early. Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant have also contributed significantly, with Pant’s fearless approach earning praise from India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak.
The return of Jasprit Bumrah, rested for the second Test, is a massive boost for India. Bumrah is expected to replace Prasidh Krishna, whose economy rate suffered in the first two games. His presence, alongside Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj, who wreaked havoc at Edgbaston, strengthens India’s pace attack. Ravindra Jadeja, likely to be the primary spinner, adds balance, potentially reducing the need for Washington Sundar on a seam-friendly pitch. The Indian bowling unit, which lacked bite in the first Test, found its rhythm at Edgbaston, and Bumrah’s return could make them even more lethal.
India’s success at Lord’s in 2014 and 2021 adds historical confidence. Former captain Dilip Vengsarkar, dubbed the “Lord of Lord’s” for his three consecutive centuries at the venue, serves as an inspiration for India’s current crop. However, the Lord’s pitch, described as offering “plenty of life” for the first two to three days, will test India’s batters. The slope, combined with the Dukes ball’s potential for swing and seam, could challenge even the in-form Gill and Co. Former England captain Kevin Pietersen, however, predicted a batter-friendly surface, noting, “If you want to bat anywhere in the world next week, Lord’s is the place to bat.” This dichotomy suggests a contest where discipline will be key for both bowlers and batters.
Lord’s: The Stage for a Blockbuster Clash
Lord’s, known as the “Mecca of Cricket,” is steeped in history and prestige. Its honours board immortalizes centuries and five-wicket hauls, and players from both teams will be eager to etch their names into its legacy. The pitch, unlike the flat tracks of the first two Tests, is expected to favor pacers early, with seam movement and bounce likely to dominate the opening days. Three of the last five Tests at Lord’s have been won by teams bowling first, suggesting Stokes may opt to bowl if he wins the toss. The slope adds an extra layer of complexity, requiring bowlers to adjust their lines and batters to adapt to uneven bounce.
The series’ competitive nature, with England’s chase at Headingley and India’s dominance at Edgbaston, has drawn massive crowds, and Lord’s is expected to be a sellout. The return of Archer and Bumrah, two of the game’s premier fast bowlers, adds to the spectacle. Archer’s fiery spells in the 2019 Ashes, including a concussion-inducing bouncer to Steve Smith, remain a vivid memory, while Bumrah’s unplayable yorkers and slingy action pose a constant threat. Their duel could define the match, with Stokes banking on Archer to disrupt India’s top order and Gill relying on Bumrah to exploit England’s batting frailties.
England’s bowling attack, criticized for lacking bite at Edgbaston, will need to adapt to the livelier conditions. Stokes has dismissed concerns about the Dukes ball going soft, a recurring issue in the series, and emphasized the need for disciplined bowling. Shoaib Bashir, England’s lone spinner, may play a supporting role, with the pitch unlikely to offer much turn. For India, Jadeja’s all-round contribution and Kuldeep Yadav’s potential inclusion could provide variety, especially if the pitch flattens out later.
Key Battles and Tactical Nuances
Several individual matchups will shape the contest. Gill versus Archer is the headline battle, with England’s plans likely centered on dismissing the Indian captain early. Root, nearing a historic 3,000 runs against India, will face Bumrah, whose ability to swing the ball both ways could trouble the England stalwart. Pant’s aggressive batting against Woakes and Carse, who struggled for consistency in Birmingham, will test England’s patience. On the flip side, Crawley’s battle against Siraj and Akash Deep, who exposed his technical flaws at Edgbaston, will be critical for England’s batting hopes.
Stokes’ leadership will be under scrutiny. His insistence on an aggressive “Bazball” approach has drawn mixed results, with India’s bowling coach Ashwin questioning its suitability for Test cricket. Stokes’ own batting form remains a concern, and his ability to lead by example with the bat could be pivotal. For India, Gill’s captaincy has been a revelation, blending aggression with composure, and his ability to manage Bumrah’s workload while maintaining attacking intent will be key.
Looking Forward
The third Test at Lord’s, starting July 10, 2025, is more than just a cricket match; it’s a battle of tactics, resilience, and star power. Ben Stokes’ bold claim of having “plans for all Indian batters” sets the stage for a tactical showdown, with Jofra Archer’s return adding intrigue. India, buoyed by Shubman Gill’s form and Jasprit Bumrah’s comeback, will aim to capitalize on their Edgbaston momentum and Lord’s history. The pitch, with its seam-friendly nature and unique slope, promises an even contest between bat and ball. As both teams vie for a 2-1 lead in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Lord’s is set to host a blockbuster that will captivate cricket fans worldwide. For live updates, tune into Sky Sports or follow streaming options like Willow TV or Kayo Sports.
