Andy Schooler previews the third Test in an England v India series which is delicately poised ahead of this week’s showdown at Lord’s.
England v India Series 2025: Third Test (Lords)
Venue: Lord’s, London, England
Date/Time: Thursday July 10, 1100 BST (5 days)
TV: Sky Sports Cricket
There have been 3,365 runs scored in this series so far – that’s the most ever in the first two Tests of a bi-lateral series in cricket history. However, things may be about to change. The Lord’s pitch had a decidedly green tinge to it when unveiled on Tuesday ahead of Thursday’s start. While it will undoubtedly be shaved down further ahead of Thursday’s start, it would appear Brendon McCullum was right with his assessment that “it will be quite different” to the flat tracks of Headingley and Edgbaston.
England v India: Luscious Lords
The England coach admitted he wanted “something with a bit more pace, a bit more bounce, and maybe a little bit of sideways (movement)”, while India skipper Shubman Gill had predicted “It won’t be a flat one.” Not unreasonably, Gill had bemoaned the lack of help for the bowlers in the series so far and purists will doubtless welcome a closer balance between bat and ball. That would be good news for an England attack that has struggled to take wickets and looks ripe for a refresh here.
England v India: Changes Needed
Quick Jofra Archer looks set to play his first Test match in more than four years at the expense of Josh Tongue, while Gus Atkinson may also return given his excellent record on this ground, although risking two players who have played little of late due to injuries clearly carries risk.
Chris Woakes has looked far from his best in the first two games (and is not a guaranteed starter) but he’s another with a fine record here, taking 32 wickets in seven Tests at an average of 12.9. Atkinson’s 19 wickets in two matches here have come at an even better average – 10.94 – but Lord’s has traditionally been more about movement than pace and bounce, so preference is to stick with Woakes in the England top-bowler market. Overall, India look tempting again at 2.3.
England v India: Visitors Value
While the scoreline is 1-1, India have dominated the series so far with one bad day at Headingley letting them down. One area where the tourists have certainly been the better is new-ball performance. This has been a key part of their success given how the softer old ball has been dominated by the bat.
England v India: Early Breakthroughs
Looking at the first 30 overs of using a new ball, India have taken 15 wickets to England’s eight. With this in mind, backing India for the top opening partnership looks worthwhile. Zak Crawley has struggled up top for England, whose first-wicket stands so far have been 11-13-188-4.
India have beaten three of those make-ups in every innings so far with their tallies being 51-15-16-91. Akash Deep (10 wickets in the match) and Mohammed Siraj both used the new cherry well at Edgbaston, while India also have Jasprit Bumrah to come back in here.
This angle can also be applied to the England top-batter market where Jamie Smith is worth considering. He was outstanding at Edgbaston where scores of 184 and 88 made him the top-scoring wicketkeeper in a single match in Test history. Despite his success, he’ll be staying put at number seven and that should keep him away from the new ball.
It’s not hard to see England losing early wickets again to this Indian attack, especially given the potential for pitch movement and/or bounce, so Smith, whose Test average is now north of 58, is worth a speculative punt.
England v India 3rd Test 2025: Best Bets
Chris Woakes England top bowler @ 3.1 with kwiff
India highest score at first dismissal @ 1.75 with kwiff
Jamie Smith England top batter @ 6.0 with kwiff
Please note that the information provided in this England v India 2nd Test article is for entertainment purposes only. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. Any action you take upon the information on this article is strictly at your own risk, and we will not be liable for any losses and damages in connection with the use of our article. We do not encourage gambling and remind you to gamble responsibly.
18+ | BeGambleAware.org
