# England vs India Test: Gus Atkinson Joins England Squad for Third Test at Lord’s Amid Bowling Shake-Up

URL: https://technosports.co.in/england-vs-india-test-gus-atkinson-join-england/  
Published: 2025-07-07  
Updated: 2025-07-07  
Author: Ankush Mallick

As England prepare for a crucial third showdown in the *[England](https://www.ecb.co.uk/) vs India Test* series, the hosts have turned to pace once again—adding **Gus Atkinson** to their squad.

![Gus atkinson](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Gus-Atkinson-1024x702.avif)

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.

## 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.

![Gus atkinson](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Gus-Atkinson-1024x1024.webp)

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.

![Jofra archer](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Jofra-Archer-1-1024x660.avif)

“***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.***”

![Ben stokes](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Ben-Stokes-1-1024x720.avif)

## 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.

Read More: [England vs India 2nd Test Day 5: Match Report as Akash Deep’s Heroics Seal Historic Win, Series Levelled 1-1](https://technosports.co.in/akash-deep-heroics-seal-win-series-levelled-1-1/)

## 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.