The anticipation is building for the third Test of what has become an increasingly competitive series between India and England. Both teams are gearing up to take on each other in the crucial third Test, which is set to begin on Thursday at the iconic Lord’s. The series, which is delicately poised at 1-1, presents the opportunity for both England and India to seize the advantage in the five-match series.

The series began with England striking the first blow, delivering a breathtaking performance in the opening Test. Their batters exploited the conditions masterfully, chasing down 371 at Headingley to secure victory in the opening Test. Little did they know that the new-look Indian side would be uncontrollable heading into the second Test as India struck back, clinching a monumental 336-run win in the second game at Edgbaston. 

Shubman Gill was the star of the show with the bat, recording 269 and 161 across both innings. While Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj led the bowling attack superbly. India, who have turned the tide with a performance that not only levelled the series but also shifted the momentum in their favour, would aim to carry on with the momentum. Moreover, they will be bolstered by the return of Jasprit Bumrah, who was left out of the second Test due to workload management. 

England, on the other hand, will be eager to reclaim their dominance at home. Their aggressive "Bazball" approach has helped them in recent years, but India's ability to challenge that aggression has put England under pressure. For England, the form of Root and the explosiveness of players like Ben Duckett and Harry Brook will be crucial if they are to counter India. On the bowling front, they have added Gus Atkinson and Jofra Archer to the squad, but it is still unclear as to who will be featuring in the playing XI. 

Head-to-head

Matches - 138

ENG won - 52

IND won - 36

Drawn - 50

England likely XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse/Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir

India likely XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy/Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah