India Tour of England 2025 | Third Test | Preview and Predictions

After a disappointing loss in the opening Test, Shubman Gill’s Indian team, without their star bowler Jasprit Bumrah, bounced back with a statement win in the second Test, registering their first-ever Test victory at Edgbaston to level the series 1-1. With the score tied, the series now moves to the iconic Lord’s, the home of cricket, for what promises to be another thrilling encounter in an action-packed series.

Also Read –Can Akash Deep’s 10-fer at Edgbaston Cement His Spot in the Test Lineup?

India Tour of England 2025 | 3rd Test | 15:30 IST, July 10–14

India’s batting, led by new captain Shubman Gill, has been near-perfect. Gill’s team has delivered possibly India’s best batting display ever in England, with almost all batters in sublime form. At the top, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul have succeeded where many Indian opening pairs have failed, providing a solid foundation and seeing off the new ball.

Gill at No. 4 has been a revelation, looking near-unbeatable. Vice-captain Rishabh Pant has also risen to the occasion, scoring two centuries already. The only concern remains the lower order and tail, but with Ravindra Jadeja finding some form, India will hope the veteran all-rounder contributes more with the bat alongside the tailenders.

After struggling to take 20 wickets in the opening Test, India suffered a further setback with Jasprit Bumrah rested for the second. However, Akash Deep stepped up brilliantly, claiming a 10-wicket haul with strong support from Mohammed Siraj. At Lord’s, where conditions are expected to favour the bowlers, Bumrah’s return adds more firepower to India’s attack.

England’s batting unit, in contrast, is facing major challenges. Aside from lower middle-order standouts Harry Brook and Jamie Smith, no one has looked settled. England registered a shocking seven ducks in the second Test. Although Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope showed promise in the first game, their form disappeared at Edgbaston. Captain Ben Stokes will rely on the experience of Joe Root, Zak Crawley, and others to step up.

With the ball, England haven’t posed much threat to the Indian batters. Brydon Carse has been the standout so far, while Chris Woakes is expected to lead the attack at Lord’s. England may also consider including Jofra Archer for what would be his first Test appearance in four years.

Head coach Brendon McCullum hinted that the Lord’s pitch might have some spice. After a heavy defeat and considering England’s aggressive brand of cricket under Stokes and McCullum, expect the hosts to hit back hard.

Fantasy XI:
KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Harry Brook, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Ben Stokes, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jasprit Bumrah

Venue: Lord’s, London
Winner Prediction: England