LONDON: India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has acknowledged the possibility of a tougher challenge at Lord’s as India gear up for the third Test against England, beginning Thursday. With the series levelled at 1-1, and Jofra Archer poised to return to red-ball cricket after more than four years, Kotak believes the conditions — and the opposition — may test India’s impressive batting lineup.
India bounced back with a dominant 336-run win at Edgbaston, where they posted massive totals of 587 and 427/6 declared. The victory was led by sensational performances from captain Shubman Gill, who has scored 585 runs in four innings, including a career-best 269 and a follow-up 161. Contributions also came from KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, each registering centuries in the first two Tests.
Kotak, addressing the media on Tuesday, said that given India’s commanding performance in the last Test, it would be reasonable for England to try and tilt the pitch conditions in their favour.
“After the last two games, if England decides to roll out a more challenging wicket, it’s fair enough,” Kotak said. “This wicket looks greener than the previous two, so runs may not come as easily.”
He added that historically, the first and second innings scores at Lord’s tend to be lower, giving bowlers an extra edge. “Normally, Lord’s offers assistance to bowlers in the first few days. Our batters are skilled enough, but they’ll need to adapt and spend time at the crease.”
While praising his batters’ ability to score quickly without taking undue risks, Kotak emphasized the need for patience. “The mindset here would be not to look for boundaries. If you don’t play silly shots, you’ll play long innings on these wickets.”
The return of Jofra Archer could boost England’s chances. The 30-year-old pacer, who has taken 42 wickets in 13 Tests, has not played in the format since February 2021 due to recurring elbow and back injuries. England’s head coach Brendon McCullum confirmed that Archer is fit, available, and “buzzing” to return.
“It’s hugely exciting. We all know what he’s capable of in Test cricket. Hopefully, when the opportunity comes, he can recapture and even improve on what he’s already achieved,” McCullum said.
Stuart Broad, speaking on his podcast, backed Archer’s return and highlighted how his presence could be a turning point for England.
“His attributes are amazing — bounce, pace, movement. And the fact that he’s been away from Test cricket makes fans more eager to watch him,” Broad noted. “Look at this series so far: India have dominated nine out of ten days. And they’re bringing back Bumrah — arguably the best bowler in the world right now. That’s a tough combination to beat.”
India’s bowlers, especially Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj, were instrumental at Edgbaston. With Jasprit Bumrah expected to return for the third Test, India’s bowling arsenal will be further strengthened. England, on the other hand, are reportedly considering changes to their tired bowling attack to counter India’s momentum.
As for England’s batting, McCullum addressed speculation about promoting wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith, who scored 184 and 88 batting at No. 7.
“He’s developing at rapid speed and we’re happy with where he’s at. He’s world-class already. His impact with the tail is invaluable,” McCullum said.
With the series delicately poised, both teams are eyeing the Lord’s Test to gain the upper hand. For India, maintaining batting discipline and handling Archer’s possible return will be crucial. For England, regrouping with a fresh bowling attack and learning from their Edgbaston collapse could define their fightback.
India’s ability to adapt to tougher conditions and remain composed could make all the difference. And with in-form players across the board, they remain confident of handling whatever pitch England offers — green top or not.
