England Reveals Squad for Crucial Third Test Against India at Lord's

England has announced its playing XI for the pivotal third Test against Team India at Lord's, starting July 10. The series is currently tied at 1-1, following a strong comeback from India in the second Test. Jofra Archer makes his return to Test cricket after four years, replacing Josh Tongue. Despite a modest performance, opener Zak Crawley retains his spot, while Shoaib Bashir remains the sole specialist spinner. The match promises to be a crucial encounter as both teams vie for a lead in the series.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 9, 2025, 16:54 IST

England's Lineup for the Third Test

England has unveiled its playing XI for the upcoming third Test against Team India, set to take place at Lord's in London starting July 10.

The five-match series is currently tied at 1-1, following England's defeat in the second Test at Edgbaston. The Ben Stokes-led team initially secured a five-wicket victory over India in the first Test at Headingley, but the visitors made a strong comeback in the second Test, winning by 336 runs to level the series.

Aiming for Momentum at Lord's

With the series tied, both England and India are eager to gain an advantage at the historic Lord's Cricket Ground. A win here would provide a crucial lead as they head into the final two matches at Old Trafford in Manchester and Kennington Oval in London.

Jofra Archer's Return to Test Cricket

England has made one change to their lineup from the Edgbaston Test, bringing in pacer Jofra Archer in place of Josh Tongue. This marks Archer's return to Test cricket after a four-year hiatus.

His last appearance in the longest format was during the third Test against India in Ahmedabad in 2021. Since then, he has faced multiple injuries to his elbow and back, which kept him out of the squad. Although Archer was initially included for the Edgbaston Test, he had to return home due to a family emergency.

One change for Lord's 🔁 After a four year wait...Jofra returns to Test Cricket 😍

Prior to his Test comeback, Archer played a County Championship match for Sussex against Durham on June 22, where he took 1 wicket for 32 runs and scored 31 runs off 34 balls in the first innings. His medical clearance to return to the England Test squad is a significant boost ahead of the match at Lord's.

Retention of Key Players

Despite a lackluster performance in the first two Tests, opener Zak Crawley has retained his spot in the team, amid speculation about his potential exclusion. In four innings, he has managed to score only 88 runs, including one fifty, with an average of 22.00.

Shoaib Bashir remains the only specialist spinner in the squad, continuing to receive support from the management despite conceding 720 runs at an average of 59.50 while taking eight wickets across four innings. He has given away the most runs of any bowler in the series.

Gus Aktinson and Jamie Overton have been omitted from the playing XI, as the team management has opted to stick with experienced players Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse to support Jofra Archer in the pace attack.

England's Squad for the Lord's Test

The final playing XI for England in the Lord's Test includes: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, and Shoaib Bashir.