“Can expect help for bowlers”

While it was becoming clearer by the day, that a bowling-friendly Lord’s pitch await both India and England for the third Test, the visiting batting coach Sitanshu Kotak confirmed on Tuesday, that the mindset of the batters will play a key role. The first Two matches of the IND vs ENG series saw both teams pile on some huge runs, with multiple centurions, which might just turn around now.

The last match at this venue, the WTC final between South Africa and Australia, also was a low-scoring affair, so the same can be expected here as well. So how will it really play? Sitanshu Kotak said, “Pitch is very green. We will get an idea after they cut grass tomorrow. Can expect help for bowlers… mindset will be key for the batters.”

Despite the challenging conditions ahead, he said that the batters have already proven in the series, and that he wasn’t worried about what lies ahead. “I would not like to take credit for batters scoring runs, it is them. This wicket will be challenging but not thinking too much about it.”

Meanwhile, England has already announced an addition to their squad — Gus Atkinson comes in, and there are also murmurs that Jofra Archer is ready to play. If that is the pace combination that England decides to go with, then it could be trouble calling for India. On the other hand, the visitors also need to take a call, if they want to go ahead with an extra batter in the team.

Jasprit Bumrah is fit and come in, while it remains to be seen, if Washington Sundar retains his place. Lord’s has traditionally not been a great place for spinners. So, the direct pick will be between Washington Sundar and an extra batter for the team.