India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was in his element during the team’s practice session at Lord’s ahead of the third Test against England, starting July 10.Â
The India fast bowler was rested for the second Test after bowling over 43 overs in the first match at Headingley. He looked sharp and ready as he bowled in the nets for about 45 minutes.
Jasprit Bumrah also worked on his batting, facing throwdowns and left-arm spin. India head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill had said before the tour that Bumrah would be used in only three of the five Tests to manage his workload, but had not specified which ones. Now, having sat out at Edgbaston, the speedster looks set to lead the pace attack once again.
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Jasprit Bumrah Set to Replace Prasidh Krishna as India Eye Strong Pace Trio
Bumrah’s return could see him replacing Prasidh Krishna, who has had a forgettable tour so far. The seasoned pacer will join forces with Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep, who impressed in the second Test. Akash Deep claimed match figures of 10/187 at Edgbaston.
Also putting in the hard yards in the nets was Arshdeep Singh, who trained for nearly an hour and continued to push for a spot in the XI. However, several players including Gill, Rishabh Pant, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Akash Deep and Siraj skipped the training session.
India’s bowling attack will be closely watched at Lord’s. The visitors will be keen to carry forward the momentum after a convincing 336-run win in the second Test.
Lord’s Pitch Expected to Help Pacers
The pitch at Lord’s is likely to assist the fast-bowlers. England head coach Brendon McCullum also hinted at a lively surface, saying,
 "Something with a bit more pace, a bit more bounce, and maybe a little bit of sideways. It'll be a blockbuster either way, but I think it's going to set up for a cracker – especially if there's plenty of life in it."
Notably, Gus Atkinson and Jofra Archer have recovered from injuries and will likely be added to England's playing XI for the Lord's Test.
