ENG vs IND Test Series: Predicting Probable Changes for 3rd Test at Lord's

Playing XI Changes

Jasprit Bumrah back for Prasidh Krishna

The Indian cricket team’s leading pace bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, was rested for the 2nd Test match in Birmingham to manage his workload and keep him fit for future matches. During the squad announcement, chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed that Bumrah will play 3 matches of the series. The Lord's Test match is going to be a hugely important clash, not just for the series, but also it will be played at the home of cricket.

Bumrah is set to slot into the team in place of Prasidh Krishna. Although Krishna has taken 5 wickets in the series as of writing this, he has been very expensive, conceding runs at an economy rate of 6.08. He conceded 128 runs in the 2nd inning of the 1st Test and already conceded 72 runs in 13 overs in the 1st innings of the 2nd Test.

Akash Deep, who has been included in the playing XI in place of Bumrah, took 4 wickets in 4 innings and has done enough to keep his place in the XI. In that case, Prasidh Krishna is the only option to be excluded from the playing XI to get Jasprit Bumrah back in the XI.

Dhruv Jurel in for Karun Nair

After an eight-year hiatus, Karun Nair's comeback to the Indian cricket squad has not gone well. As of writing this, he has scored only 77 runs in 4 innings. His highest score in the series has been 31 runs off 50 balls in the 2nd inning of the 2nd Test.

Fans on social media have criticized Nair for failing to post a big total despite playing on a batting-friendly surface.

In the playing XI, Dhruv Jurel might take Karun Nair's position. Jurel has performed really well in given opportunities. Since his 2024 debut, Jurel has appeared in four games and amassed 202 runs at an average of 40.4. In the India A matches, he performed admirably as well.

He featured in 4 innings for the India A vs England Lions and scored 227 runs at an average of 75.67. In 4 innings, he scored fifty-plus runs in 3 innings with his highest of 94 runs.

England to bring Jofra Archer in the Playing XI

It is known to everyone that England's bowling line-up currently is the weakest in several years, as the likes of James Anderson and Stuart Broad have retired from the game.

In this series, the Indian team's run-scoring momentum has proved unstoppable by the England bowlers. In this case, Jofra Archer might be included in the Playing XI for the hosts. 

Jofra was not selected for the playing XI, despite being included in the squad for the second Test. But for the crucial game at Lord's, England might feel the need for Archer. England could shift either of Brydon Carse or Chris Woakes to bring Archer into the playing XI.

Brydon Carse has taken 6 wickets in 4 innings in this series so far. But most importantly, he hasn't been able to contain the runs flow as he has already conceded runs at an economy rate over 4. Meanwhile, Chris Woakes is the most experienced bowler in the line-up, yet, he hasn't been great for England.

To improve their bowling attack, the Ben Stokes-led side will be looking to make some bold moves. Jofra Archer’s addition to the playing XI would be a massive boost for the host, especially at a venue like the Lord's, which has been great for the pace bowlers.

Batting-Order Changes

Washington Sundar or Ravindra Jadeja to be promoted to number 3

Meanwhile, team India might also make some changes to the batting order if the above-mentioned changes are utilized. Karun Nair’s exclusion from the playing XI would mean Team India would need a new number 3 batter.

As Dhruv Jurel has found most of his success in the lower middle order, the management might not want to make any changes to that. Meanwhile, the other candidates for number three, KL Rahul and captain Shubman Gill have found success as an opening and number 4 batter respectively.

Rishabh Pant has also established his place at number 5. In this scenario, Team India could promote either Washington Sundar or Ravindra Jadeja at number. Both these all-rounders recently played at the top order during the IPL 2025.

Washington Sundar played some good knocks while coming in at number four. Fans will particularly remember his 49-run knock vs Sunrisers Hyderabad while batting at number four when the Gujarat Titans didn't have a great option at number four.

Meanwhile, when the Chennai Super Kings’ batting order was in trouble throughout the season, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) management promoted Ravindra Jadeja to number 5. He also played really well as he scored 301 runs. Jadeja also has that attitude and patience in him to play longer innings.