On Thursday, July 10, India and England will face off at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on Day 1 of the third Test, hoping to break the 1-1 tie in the five-match series. The tourists are coming off a morale-boosting 336-run victory in the second Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

Toss Update

Ben Stokes won the toss and had no hesitation in opting to bat first. Despite the short turnaround from the Edgbaston Test, which concluded on Sunday, July 6, Stokes asserted that the players are doing well physically and mentally. On the other hand, Shubman Gill was happy to bowl first. He believes that the bowlers will get some assistance from the surface, especially in the first session.

England, India make once change apiece

England had announced their playing XI on Wednesday (July 9). They made just one change, bringing Jofra Archer into the side in place of Josh Tongue, who is the leading wicket-taker in the series so far with 11 wickets from two matches. Archer will be playing his first Test since February 2021.

Meanwhile, India revealed their playing XI only after the toss. They made one change, which was quite expected. Jasprit Bumrah returned to the side, replacing the out-of-form Prasidh Krishna. Bumrah was rested in the second Test and will be raring to go at the Home of Cricket.

What did the captains say?

Ben Stokes, England

We are going to have a bat. Generally this surface has some help for the bowlers in the first hour. It (the mood) is good, well fought series and we are up for this game. The body is good. Quick turnaround, we are fresh and ready to go. Everyone likes playing at Lord’s and you have to enjoy the occasion. Just one change – Archer replaces Tongue.

Shubman Gill, India

I was confused what to do till this morning. I would have bowled first. There would be something for the bowlers in the first session. Everyone chipped in and that’s what the discussion was about. The bowlers are feeling confident, wasn’t easy to pick 20 wickets on that (Edgbaston) wicket. I am feeling great, as a batter you expect to be in the middle of the situation and batting. We have one change – Bumrah for Prasidh.