England Bolsters Bowling Attack Ahead of Third Test Against India
England has faced a significant setback following a 336-run defeat at Edgbaston, prompting swift action to strengthen their bowling lineup ahead of the third Test against India at Lord’s, set to begin on Thursday, July 10. The England Men’s selection panel has made a strategic move by including Gus Atkinson, a right-arm fast bowler from Surrey, into the squad. The 27-year-old is returning to the Test setup after recovering from a hamstring injury that he sustained during England’s victory over Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge in May.
Atkinson’s inclusion is a direct response to the challenges England faced with the ball in Birmingham, where India scored an impressive 587 runs in the first innings, led by Shubman Gill’s commanding 269. The English bowlers struggled as the visitors amassed over 1000 runs across two innings, leaving skipper Ben Stokes visibly frustrated.
Stokes reflected on the game, stating, “At 200/5 we were happy. But we just weren’t able to blast them open. They ended up getting a big first innings total after us having a good start.”
The addition of Atkinson brings pace and a proven domestic record. In just 12 matches, he has taken 55 wickets at an average of 22.30, including his best figures of 7/45. His return could also create opportunities for a potential partnership with Jofra Archer, who trained with the squad in Birmingham and is being closely monitored for a possible Test comeback after a four-year injury layoff.
With the series level at 1-1, England may also consider resting Brydon Carse or Josh Tongue, both of whom have been heavily involved in the first two Tests. Their inclusion in the squad highlights the need for balance and fresh legs as the team looks to regain momentum and recalibrate their bowling attack.
England Squad for the Third Test vs India
The updated England squad includes:
- Ben Duckett
- Zak Crawley
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Harry Brook
- Jamie Smith
- Ben Stokes (captain)
- Chris Woakes
- Brydon Carse
- Josh Tongue
- Shoaib Bashir
- Jofra Archer
- Jamie Overton
- Gus Atkinson
- Jacob Bethell
- Sam Cook
This selection reflects the team’s determination to adapt and perform better under pressure. The shift to the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground presents a new opportunity for England to turn the tide in the series.
As the third Test approaches, all eyes will be on how the changes in the squad impact the team’s performance. With the right strategy and execution, England has the potential to bounce back and assert their dominance in the series. The upcoming match is not just a test of skill but also a crucial moment for the team to regroup and rekindle their confidence.
