IND vs ENG: After Edgbaston Hammering, Brendon McCullum Demands Fiery Lord’s Pitch
Brendon McCullum hopes Lord’s pitch has more pace and bounce for 3rd Test vs India, says Jofra Archer is available.
The third Test between India and England begins on July 10 at Lord’s, and England coach Brendon McCullum has shared exactly what kind of pitch he wants for the big clash.
In an interview with The Telegraph, McCullum said he hopes the Lord’s surface offers “a bit more pace, a bit more bounce, and maybe a little bit of sideways movement.”
“It’ll be a blockbuster either way,” he said. “But I think it’s going to set up for a cracker – especially if there’s plenty of life in it.”
Flat pitches so far
The first two Tests were mostly batting-friendly. India and England both scored big runs, with little help for pacers from the pitch.
India made 600-plus at Edgbaston and went on to win by 336 runs. Shubman Gill scored a double century and a hundred in the same match.
Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj impressed with the ball despite flat conditions. The first Test in Leeds saw England chase down 371 with ease.
Four Indian and two English batters got hundreds in that match. With the series tied at 1-1, McCullum’s call for a bouncier Lord’s pitch could bring the bowlers back into play.
Archer may return, Bumrah to play
McCullum also confirmed that Jofra Archer is fit and available for selection.
“He’s looking fit, he’s looking strong, he’s looking ready to go,” he said. “He’ll come into calculations.”
Pacer Gus Atkinson has also joined the England squad after recovering from a hamstring injury.
On the Indian side, captain Shubman Gill confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah will return to the playing XI for the third Test. Bumrah was rested for the second Test.
In the recent WTC Final at Lord’s, the pitch had something for the pacers. Bowlers like Pat Cummins and Kagiso Rabada made full use of the conditions. England will be hoping for similar help this time.
