Lord’s Cricket Ground Pitch Report: ENG vs IND 3rd Test 2025 Insights

After a batting paradise at Edgbaston, England has sought a pitch that favors their pacers at Lord’s, and it looks like they might just get what they asked for.

As the third Test between England and India commences at Lord’s in London on July 10, the stage is set for a fascinating encounter. The Anderson-Tendulkar series currently stands at a nail-biting 1-1. After a heartbreaking loss at Headingley, India staged a remarkable comeback, securing a historic maiden Test victory at Edgbaston by a staggering 336 runs. Now, the third Test at Lord’s takes on monumental importance, with the winner gaining a crucial 2-1 lead ahead of the final two matches.

For India, Jasprit Bumrah is set to make a return after being rested for the second Test to manage his workload. With Bumrah back in action, India is likely to pair him with Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj. This means Prasidh Krishna will be the one to sit out, as Akash Deep delivered an outstanding performance at Edgbaston, taking 10 wickets in the match. India is expected to retain their winning combination, so Kuldeep Yadav might once again miss out on selection.

On the other side, England has added Jofra Archer to their playing XI, while Josh Tongue has been dropped. Historically, the two teams have met 138 times in Tests, with England claiming 52 victories to India’s 37, and 50 matches ending in draws. On English soil, the balance tips further in England’s favor, with 37 wins to India’s 10, and 22 draws. At Lord’s specifically, England has won 12 of the 19 encounters, with India securing just three wins and four draws.

England is expected to make two changes to their side, with a 16-member squad at their disposal. Their playing XI for the third Test is likely to be: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, and Shoaib Bashir.

India, with an 18-member squad, is likely to make one change. Their probable playing XI for the third Test includes: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj.

At this juncture, both teams are evenly matched, with India holding a slight edge based on their performance in the first two Tests.

Lord’s Cricket Ground, located in London, has a rich history dating back to 1814. It can accommodate approximately 30,000 spectators and serves as the home venue for Middlesex. The stadium has undergone several renovations over the years, including an £8.2 million redevelopment of the pavilion in 2005. It hosted its first international Test in 1884 between England and Australia.

The pitch at Lord’s is expected to favor pacers with significant seam movement. England has specifically requested a pitch with “plenty of life in it,” which should keep both teams’ pace bowling units highly interested. The ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 final also saw pacers like Kagiso Rabada and Pat Cummins relishing the conditions here. Scoring runs won’t be easy, as bowlers will dominate early on with a hard ball offering both seam and swing. Batters will need to be cautious and patient.

Key Stats & Records at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London

England vs India: Weather Forecast

The weather forecast for London on Day 1 of the Test indicates warm conditions with temperatures reaching 30 degrees Celsius. Friday is expected to be even warmer with sunny spells. Saturday will also be warm with some sun, and the trend is set to continue through Sunday and Monday. No rain is expected, ensuring perfect conditions for play over the five days.

England vs India: Pitch Advantage

Both teams’ pace units will relish the conditions. England gains a slight edge with the return of Jofra Archer, while India’s reintroduction of Jasprit Bumrah is a significant boost. England has won three of their last five Test matches at this venue, losing only once each to Australia and South Africa. India’s last Test victory here was in 2021, when they secured a 151-run win.

FAQs – Pitch Report for Lord’s Cricket Ground