The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has delivered an exciting start, with India and England winning one Test each to level the five-match series at 1-1. England won the first Test with a brilliant five-wicket chase on the final day. But India struck back hard in the second Test, registering their biggest-ever overseas Test win by runs—336—thanks to a dominant all-round performance.

India rested Jasprit Bumrah in the second Test, a decision that sparked debate. However, the team silenced critics with a commanding show. Shubman Gill led from the front with over 400 runs in the match, while fast bowler Akash Deep delivered his career-best performance, taking 10 wickets.

Bumrah set to return at Lord’s

Despite Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj impressing at Edgbaston, India is expected to bring Bumrah back into the XI for the third Test at Lord’s. The early look at the pitch suggests it may favour fast bowlers, though conditions could change by toss time.

England head coach Brendon McCullum has publicly asked for a surface with more pace, bounce, and lateral movement. This could mean a fast-bowler-friendly wicket.

Who makes the cut in the bowling attack?

With Bumrah likely to return, Prasidh Krishna—who showed promise in the second innings at Leeds—may be left out. The team must also decide whether to play left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who has not featured yet on the tour. Although Kuldeep offers a solid wicket-taking option, the pace-friendly conditions may keep him out again.

Batting lineup likely to remain unchanged

India dropped B Sai Sudharsan for the second Test, and he may continue to sit out. Karun Nair got starts in both innings at Leeds but couldn’t convert them into big scores. Still, he is expected to retain his place.

Nitish Reddy replaced Shardul Thakur in the second match but did not contribute significantly with either bat or ball. This raises the possibility of Thakur making a comeback, although Arshdeep Singh is another option the selectors might consider.

India’s likely XI for the third Test at Lord’s

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur/Nitish Reddy/Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah