IND vs ENG 3rd Test Pitch report, McCullum is getting a special pitch made
IND vs ENG 3rd Test Pitch Report: In the second match of the five-Test series between India and England, host England suffered a crushing defeat by 336 runs. With this victory, India equalized the series 1-1. After this defeat in Birmingham, England is now making a new strategy for the third Test starting at Lord’s from July 10.
Demand for a pitch conducive to fast bowlers
The England team has demanded a pitch that is helpful for fast bowlers for the third Test to be held at Lord’s. England coach Brendon McCullum has asked MCC chief groundsman Karl McDermott to prepare a pitch that has ‘more pace, bounce and swing’.
Referring to last month’s World Test Championship final, McCullum said such a pitch would be ideal for bowlers like Pat Cummins and Kagiso Rabada. Speaking to ‘ESPNcricinfo’, he said, “If the pitch is favorable to the fast bowlers, it will be a great match.”
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Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson return
Fast bowler Joffra Archer’s return to England’s playing XI is almost certain. Archer, who was away from Test cricket for a long time after suffering from elbow and back injuries, played his last Test in February 2021. Apart from this, Gus Atkinson is also returning to the team after recovering from a hamstring injury. His return is expected to further strengthen England’s fast bowling. McCullum said, “Archer is available for selection, and we are also monitoring Atkinson’s fitness.”
Change in England’s strategy
England had earlier preferred flat pitches to suit their aggressive ‘badgeball’ style. They won by five wickets on a high-bounce pitch in the first Test at Leeds, but suffered a crushing defeat against India on the ‘subcontinental’ pitch at Edgbaston. McCullum said that his fast bowling unit has performed well in both the Tests, and now they are hoping for a better performance on a fast bowler-friendly pitch at Lord’s.
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