As England prepare for a crucial third showdown in the England vs India Test series, the hosts have turned to pace once again—adding Gus Atkinson to their squad.
With the series tied 1-1 following India’s emphatic 336-run win at Edgbaston, the pressure is mounting. Atkinson’s return is timely, as England grapple with a fatigued bowling unit and tight match turnarounds.
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Why Gus Atkinson’s Recall Matters
The 26-year-old Surrey pacer played his last Test in May against Zimbabwe but missed the start of the India series due to a hamstring injury sustained in that match. His absence was also felt during England’s limited-overs series against the West Indies.
Now fully fit, Atkinson’s return bolsters England’s pace arsenal—joining the likes of Jofra Archer, Sam Cook, and Jamie Overton as potential fresh legs at Lord’s. His inclusion suggests that England may rotate their bowlers after two back-to-back Tests that have taken a toll on their attack.
Tired Seamers and Tactical Shifts
England’s frontline pacers—Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and Chris Woakes—have each bowled between 77 and 82 overs in the first two Tests, a number that underscores the strain on the bowling unit.
Skipper Ben Stokes hinted at changes ahead of the third Test, scheduled from July 10 at Lord’s. “It’s no secret that we’ve spent some time in the field… there probably will be a decision we have to make,” Stokes acknowledged.
Jofra Archer Eyes Long-Awaited Return
The addition of Atkinson doesn’t overshadow the looming possibility of Jofra Archer‘s Test comeback—his first since February 2021. While he didn’t feature in Edgbaston, Archer bowled regularly during intervals, raising hopes of a return at Lord’s.
“He’s fit and ready to go,” confirmed head coach Brendon McCullum. “You’d anticipate you’d make a change… and Jofra is one we’ll look at.”
England’s Squad for the 3rd Test at Lord’s
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| Captain | Ben Stokes |
| Pace Bowlers | Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Jamie Overton, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes |
| Spinners | Shoaib Bashir |
| Batters | Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root |
| All-rounders | Jacob Bethell |
| Wicketkeeper | Jamie Smith |
Resilience After Heavy Defeat
The 336-run loss at Edgbaston was England’s third-heaviest under Stokes’ captaincy, but the skipper insists the team remains focused and level-headed. “We’ve had some unbelievable wins and some bad defeats,” Stokes said. “We wipe this one under the carpet… Lord’s day one will be here quickly.”
India vs England Series Status and Fixtures
| Match | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Headingley | England won by 5 wickets |
| 2nd Test | Edgbaston | India won by 336 runs |
| 3rd Test | Lord’s | Starts July 10, 3:30 PM IST |
| 4th Test | Old Trafford | July 23 |
| 5th Test | The Oval | July 31 |
What’s Next?
With the series evenly poised and England’s bowlers worn thin, Gus Atkinson’s addition provides both reinforcement and a signal of tactical recalibration. Fans can expect a different bowling attack as England look to bounce back at Lord’s from July 10. Notably, Jasprit Bumrah will return for India, while Jofra Archer’s long-awaited Test return is under serious consideration.
FAQs
Why was Gus Atkinson not part of the first two Tests?
He was recovering from a hamstring injury sustained during the Zimbabwe Test.
Is Jofra Archer likely to play in the third Test?
Yes, he is fit and being considered, especially with England’s pace fatigue.
When and where is the third England vs India Test?
The third Test starts on July 10 at Lord’s, beginning at 3:30 PM IST.
Who are the other pace options for England?
Apart from Atkinson, England have Jofra Archer, Sam Cook, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue.
What is the current series score between England and India?
The series is level at 1-1 after two Tests.
