England mulls bringing back Jofra Archer in the Test squad, considering changes to the seam attack for the third Test at Lord's, following India's domination with the bat at Edgbaston.
In the ongoing Test series against India, England's seam attack has faced significant challenges, particularly in the second Test at Birmingham. The Indian batsmen have taken full advantage, with Shubman Gill's historic 269 and a strong supporting performance powering India to a massive 587 runs in the first innings.
England's bowling unit has struggled to contain the dominant Indian batting lineup, with the lack of experience in the bowling attack being highlighted as a weakness. Akash Deep of India took key wickets, and the visitors exploited England's seamers' struggles effectively. England found themselves in a challenging position at 84/5 at one point, underscoring the difficulties faced by their bowlers against India's batsmen.
As the series prepares for the third Test at Lord's, England are considering changes to their seam attack to improve bowling performance against India. Though specific names for changes have not been detailed, the recognition of the bowling attack's inexperience and underperformance suggests England may look to tweak their pace lineup to bolster effectiveness.
Jamie Overton and Sam Cook, both of whom have won only one Test cap, are potential candidates for changes. Brydon Carse, who has suffered with blisters in this game and bowled with little luck for match figures of two for 139, may also be under pressure.
India's batsmen have racked up 1,849 runs in two Tests, with Gill scoring a run-a-ball 161 and Rishabh Pant thrashing a quick 65. The fourth day of the match has been another challenging one for England, following a punishing series against India's batsmen.
England declared at 427 for six, with India's ledger for the game showing 1,014 runs for the loss of only 16 wickets. The pitch at Lord's may offer a different challenge for both teams, potentially requiring adjustments to the attacking strategy.
Gus Atkinson, who has recovered from a hamstring strain, is in line to be Archer's new-ball partner. Jofra Archer is expected to make his Test return for England after an absence of four and a half years, which could provide a much-needed boost to the English bowling attack.
However, Chris Woakes, aged 36, has struggled on the fourth day of the match, making poor use of the new ball on the third evening. His three wickets in the series have come at an average cost of 96 each. Warwickshire may view an Indian victory in this game as vindication of the pitch they served up, as it has been sluggish, frustrating England's pre-match hopes of pace and bounce.
Gary Barwell, the head groundsman at Edgbaston, ensured the pitch started with the same moisture content as during India's last visit in 2022, as per England's request. Despite Josh Tongue's status as the leading wicket-taker in the series on either side, his high economy rate and frequent use as a battering ram have highlighted the need for a refresh ahead of the third Test at Lord's.
England are set an improbable 608 to go 2-0 up, and closed on 72 for three. The third Test at Lord's promises to be a crucial encounter, with both teams looking to gain the upper hand in the series.
The English bowling attack may undergo changes to improve performance against India's dominant batting lineup, with Jamie Overton, Sam Cook, and Gus Atkinson potential candidates for selection. England's declared total of 427 for six, in response to India's 1,849 runs in the first two Tests, leaves them needing an improbable 608 runs to claim a series lead.
The challenge for England's bowlers continues at Lord's, as they adapt to the new conditions to counter India's batsmen, who have shown relentless form in the ongoing series.
