India vs England, 3rd Test Preview: Archer Returns, Bumrah Boosts India
England, staying true to their methodical approach, have announced their playing XI well ahead of the third Test. Jofra Archer returns to the side, marking the only change from the team that suffered defeat at Edgbaston. Gus Atkinson makes way after topping the series wicket charts with 11 scalps at 33.63, his omission likely a result of his heavy workload across the first two Tests.
England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir.
Meanwhile, India's pace attack has already made a strong impression, but the return of Jasprit Bumrah—rested for the Edgbaston clash—adds even more firepower to their bowling lineup. Bumrah is set to replace Prasidh Krishna, whose expensive spells in the opening two matches have cost him his place.
India’s seam duo of Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj were relentless at Edgbaston, sharing 17 wickets and proving they’re a serious threat. With the pitch likely to offer some assistance, the team is expected to continue with a pace-heavy approach, meaning Kuldeep Yadav might once again miss out. Washington Sundar’s solid 42 in the first innings helped justify his selection as the more balanced all-round option.
India (likely XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Shubman Gill (capt), Rishabh Pant (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj.
With the series level at 1-1, both teams are heading into the third Test with firepower and intent. England will bank on Archer’s pace and Stokes’ leadership, while India look to ride the momentum, now turbocharged by Bumrah’s return.