Jasprit Bumrah set to return for the India vs England Lord's Test? Check details

Indian captain Shubman Gill has officially confirmed that ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah will make his much-anticipated return to the playing XI for the third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England. The match is set to begin on July 10 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. Bumrah, who had been rested for the second Test in Birmingham as part of a pre-planned workload management strategy, is now ready to spearhead India’s bowling attack once again as the high-stakes five-match series remains evenly poised at 1-1.

Jasprit Bumrah will play India vs England 3rd Test match

The 31-year-old speedster, currently ranked No. 1 in the ICC Test bowling rankings, was notably absent from India’s dominant 336-run victory at Edgbaston. His absence was tactically managed, considering the intense nature of the long series and his importance to the team’s long-term plans. With Bumrah rejoining the squad, it is expected that seamer Prasidh Krishna, who featured in the second Test, will make way to accommodate the returning pace leader.

Gill expressed confidence in Bumrah’s fitness and readiness, highlighting the bowler’s crucial role in English conditions, especially at Lord’s where his previous performances have been memorable. The return of Bumrah is set to add a sharp edge to India’s already formidable bowling unit, which has been in good rhythm with Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep delivering impactful spells. With the series finely balanced, Bumrah’s comeback is being seen as a strategic move to tilt the momentum in India’s favour as they aim for a historic win at the Home of Cricket.

In the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace attack was led brilliantly by Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj during the second Test, playing a crucial role in India’s dominant win. Akash Deep, making the most of the opportunity, delivered a standout performance with a remarkable 10-wicket haul across both innings. His consistency, control, and ability to exploit the conditions earned widespread praise, with many calling it a breakthrough moment in his Test career. Mohammed Siraj also maintained pressure from the other end, picking up key wickets and keeping England’s batting lineup in check.

Indian captain Shubman Gill commended both pacers for their exceptional display, highlighting how their efforts were instrumental in helping India level the series 1-1. Gill applauded their discipline, accuracy, and the ability to execute plans under pressure. With Bumrah set to return for the third Test at Lord’s, the pace unit looks even stronger and more threatening for the hosts.

"Definitely (when asked about Bumrah's availability). Very excited for that (playing at Lord's). Probably the most iconic cricket stadium in the world. And as a kid, everyone dreams about playing there. And I think no bigger honour than to be able to captain your country and lead the team there," stated Indian captain Shubman Gill. 

"When two of your fast bowlers take 16-17 wickets, the captaincy becomes very easy. When two fast bowlers are in such good form... Bumrah was not playing in this match, but I think there is so much talent in India that the squad we have of 16-17 players, they have India's best bowlers. And from them, any bowling attack can take 20 wickets in any situation or conditions," he added.

Shubman Gill was named Player of the Match for his brilliant knocks of 269 and 161 at Edgbaston, playing a pivotal role in anchoring India’s innings in both efforts. His dominant display with the bat ensured India stayed in command throughout the game. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja also made a significant impact, contributing crucial runs and taking key wickets to guide India to a resounding 336-run victory in the second Test. The win helped India level the series 1-1. Speaking after the match, Gill stressed the importance of setting the tone as captain, saying that leading by example is key to inspiring the team and maintaining a winning culture in a high-pressure series like this.

"Sometimes, especially when you are the captain, I think you need to lead by example so that whenever there is another player in that situation, you can command that player. 'This is what the team requires right now and you always have to put the team first rather than your personal desires.' Or sometimes you want to try some things, but I think if you put the team ahead of you, you will always walk in the right direction or walk on the right path and that's what I wanted to do in this match. If a good ball gets me out, it gets me out, but as long as I'm there, I want to play as long as possible,” Gill noted.