The third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy between India and England begins Thursday at the Lord's with both teams locked at 1-1 after the first two outings. England won the first game but India bounced back superbly to win the second match in a convincing manner. Both Shubman Gill and Ben Stokes will now be eager to take lead in the five-match series.
Both sides will be bolstered by some high profile returns. For India, Jasprit Bumrah is ready to go once again after being rested in the second Test. For England, the return of Jofra Archer for the first time in Tests since early 2021 will be a big boost. Gus Atkinson will also join the England squad after recovering from injury.
With the pitch expected to be a good seaming wicket, it could be a battle of the two pace attacks in the third Test. Here are the three key battles which will have a huge impact on the outcome of the game.
Jasprit Bumrah vs Jofra Archer
Two of the most threatening pace bowlers in the world will be up against each other. While Bumrah will have the advantage of form, Archer will have to quickly shed his rustiness to make an impact. Archer will have the home advantage though. The bowler that wins this contest, will push his team far ahead in the game. The bowler that is not able to make a big impact will pull his team behind. A great match-up remains in store.
Jamie Smith vs Akash Deep
Jamie Smith hit Akash Deep for back-to-back sixes late on the final day of the second Test. However, Akash foxed Smith with a slower one on the next ball to get to his fifer. Smith is in terrific form but Akash too is in red hot form. India will need the wicket of Smith quickly and Akash who already has an edge over the English wicket-keeper will be key. But Smith will definitely be better prepared.
Shubman Gill vs Gus Atkinson
Shubman Gill has already scored 585 runs in the two matches. He is aiming to break Donald Bradman's record for most runs in a series, 974, that the Australian legend established in 1930. No England bowler has been able to stop Gill.
Archer will be returning to Test cricket after more than four years and thus could be rusty. This is when England would hope for Gus Atkinson to be their main man. Atkinson has already taken 55 wickets in just 12 Tests and has a fantastic record at Lord's. He will try to be England's threat against Gill.
