England has revealed its 16-man team for the third Test against India at Lord’s. Gus Atkinson is the only addition to the squad for this important match. Atkinson has been impressive, taking 55 wickets in just 12 games for England. His absence was felt in the first two matches.
The list was made public after England’s 336-run defeat in the second Test at Edgbaston. Atkinson is likely to go straight into the starting eleven. Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue have played consecutive matches and seem tired after bowling many overs. England might rotate their pace attack, with Jofra Archer, Jamie Overton, Sam Cook, and now Atkinson all possibly involved.
After two unhelpful pitches in the first two matches, the bowlers should expect more support at Lord’s. The pitches there usually help sideways movement, especially with the slope. In the World Test Championship final, 28 wickets fell in the first two days. However, on the third day, with the sun out and the pitch drying, South Africa scored runs.
India outplayed England at Edgbaston on a track that was meant to fit England’s style. The return of players like Atkinson and Jofra Archer will greatly benefit England, adding new qualities to their attack as they seek to regain the lead.
England squad for Lord’s Test against India: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Jamie Overton, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir, Sam Cook, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer