Predicting England’s XI for 3rd Test against England

The ongoing five-match Test series between England and India is currently evenly poised at 1-1. The hosts were off to a winning start by emerging triumphant in the series opener by five wickets.

However, they found themselves at the receiving end of a 336-run loss in the second Test at Edgbaston. Below is an XI curated which would be the best suited for England to regain the lead at Lord’s.

Openers: 

Ben Duckett was adjudged the Player of the Match in the first game for his contributions of 62 and 149 in the first and second innings, respectively. His ability to provide dynamic starts will be vital for England.

Crawley’s sole major contribution in this series so far has been his 65-run knock in the second innings of the first Test. He would want to get back amongst the runs as his role will be crucial in complementing Duckett at the top of the order.

Middle-order:

The manner in which Ollie Pope played in England’s first innings of the first Test to get to his ton secured his spot at No.3. However, he would be aiming on replicating a similar performance in the upcoming game with Jacob Bethell waiting in the wings.

Root has been able to convert only one out of the four starts he has got in the four innings up until now. There will be expectations from the English supporters for their mainstay to play a big part at the Home of Cricket.

Brook was unfortunate to miss out on a well-deserved ton in the first innings of the first Test. He batted brilliantly in the first innings of the next game to strike 158. The English vice-captain will be anticipated to play a significant part.

Jamie Smith currently leads the run-scoring chart for the English setup. His 184* and 88 in the second game were brilliant. England could promote him up the order.

All-rounders: 

A lot more will be expected from Stokes with bat in particular. He has been doing well with the ball in terms of the overs and channels being bowled. Ben Stokes’ role with the bat could turn out to be decisive for his team.

Carse has displayed that he can add value with the bat lower down the order in two of the three innings he has batted so far. He has been in decent nick with the ball too. However, a bit more would be expected from him for England to turn things around.

Bowlers:  

Having not played a single Test since 2021, there will be massive pressure on  Jofra Archer. However, he would be someone which the management could bank on to provide the extra zip in the English bowling attack.

Atkinson could come into the mix along with Archer. He has been in quite good red-ball form of late. The combination of Archer and Atkinson sharing the new ball or Atkinson coming in as the first-change bowler could be the change England would be looking for to get back to winning ways.

After two Tests, Tongue is the leading wicket-taker across both sides with 11 wickets. The right-armer has looked sharp whenever he has come onto bowl. Tongue being at his best will be important for England.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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