England vs India Cricket Prediction, Players, Standings, News: 10/7/2025

India and England are preparing for a pivotal third Test at Lord’s, with the series currently level at 1-1. After a convincing Indian win at Edgbaston, pressure is mounting on the hosts to bounce back. England misjudged the toss in the second Test, opting to bowl first on a pitch that offered little for their seamers. That decision, combined with India’s powerful batting and a dominant 10-wicket haul by Akash Deep, shifted the momentum firmly in the visitors’ favor.

India’s pace attack, bolstered by Mohammad Siraj and the anticipated return of Jasprit Bumrah, will be a serious threat once again. Meanwhile, England must rethink their bowling strategy and make key changes to avoid slipping further behind.

England’s Tactical Shake-Up and Squad Concerns

England are expected to ring in the changes for the third Test at Lord’s. Recognizing the need for more firepower, they’ve added Gus Atkinson to the squad, giving them eight pace options, including captain Ben Stokes himself. With the pitch at Lord’s often assisting quicks due to its famous slope, Jofra Archer could finally return to the playing XI, providing England with much-needed pace and bounce.

The batting unit, however, faces a stern test. Jasprit Bumrah and Siraj have enjoyed great success at Lord’s in the past. England’s top order must find ways to counteract India’s new-ball threat. Ollie Pope and Joe Root, stationed at number 3 and 4, will need to build a solid partnership, particularly after England’s collapse in the first innings of the second Test.

Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, who impressed in the fourth innings of the opening match, will again be tasked with providing a confident start. Meanwhile, Chris Woakes will likely spearhead the bowling department as Carse and Tongue have struggled on the flatter surfaces.

Given Bashir’s lack of impact so far, it’s uncertain if England will continue with the same spin options. Replacing either Carse or Tongue with Archer would strengthen the attack and bring balance. With most of England’s pacers having limited Test experience, Archer’s inclusion could prove decisive.

England Predicted XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir

India’s Formidable Form and Bumrah’s Return

After a tough loss at Headingley, India responded with authority. Powered by Shubman Gill’s masterful knocks of 269 and 161 at Edgbaston, the visitors completely outclassed England with both bat and ball. Akash Deep’s breakout 10-wicket haul and Siraj’s hostile spells left England struggling.

India’s bowlers consistently outperformed their English counterparts in terms of accuracy and length, and the return of Jasprit Bumrah for the Lord’s Test could make the attack even more dangerous. His record at this ground is outstanding, and paired with Siraj and Akash Deep, India boast a fearsome seam trio.

In the batting department, the lineup continues to look solid. Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant are in fine touch, while Gill has stepped up as a leader. India’s middle and lower orders are bolstered by all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar, providing depth and flexibility.

The only question surrounding India’s XI is whether Akash Deep retains his spot with Bumrah back. Given his match-winning performance, India are unlikely to bench him. Maintaining this momentum will be key to securing a crucial away win.

India Predicted XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Mohammad Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah

Weather and Pitch Conditions at Lord’s

Day 1 of the Test is expected to be partly cloudy, with temperatures peaking at 29°C. The following two days should be sunny—ideal for batting. The final two days may see increased cloud cover, which could aid seamers, although no rain is currently forecast.

The Lord’s pitch historically offers a fair contest between bat and ball. The slope continues to play a unique role in aiding swing. A score above 400 in the first innings could prove crucial, especially as deterioration on Day 5 often makes batting difficult. The venue has seen 53 wins for teams batting first, compared to 44 wins for teams bowling first—an edge for whoever wins the toss and opts to bat.

Prediction

England will hope that the inclusion of Jofra Archer reinvigorates their bowling attack. However, India’s strength lies in their well-rounded squad, with Bumrah and Siraj forming an intimidating pace combination and the batting lineup delivering consistently.

Stokes has been kept in check by India’s bowlers, and without impactful performances from Root and Pope, England may struggle to post competitive totals. India’s ability to apply pressure through both pace and spin, combined with sharper execution in key moments, puts them slightly ahead.

With better bowling depth, form, and historical success at Lord’s, India are likely to outplay England again and take a 2-1 series lead.

Prediction: India to win at Lord’s and go up 2-1 in the series.