IND vs ENG: Green Top At Lord's? Latest Pitch Pictures Go Viral, Create Buzz Ahead Of 3rd Test

Add as a preferred source on Google

IND vs ENG: As the Anderson-Gavaskar Trophy moves to Lord's, the third Test is shaping up to be a high-stakes clash with the series intriguingly poised at 1-1. India's emphatic 336-run win at Edgbaston-its first Test victory at the venue in 58 years-has not only levelled the series but also seemingly pushed England into rethink mode, particularly with the pitch.

On Tuesday, images of the Lord's pitch began doing the rounds on social media, showing a lush, green surface that appears to have been heavily watered. While it's standard practice for curators to leave grass in the lead-up to a match, the extent of greenery has triggered speculation that England may be looking to prepare a seamer-friendly track.

According to a PTI report, England, stung by their Edgbaston defeat, have requested a wicket with "plenty of life in it" as they look to bring back pace duo Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson. Archer, who last played a Test in early 2021, is on track for a return after battling elbow and back injuries. Atkinson, too, is set to rejoin after missing the second Test due to a hamstring issue.

England head coach Brendon McCullum made no secret of his hopes from the surface. "Something with a bit more pace, a bit more bounce, and maybe a little bit of sideways," he said, referencing the conditions seen during the recent World Test Championship final at Lord's. "It'll be a blockbuster either way, but I think it's going to set up for a cracker - especially if there's plenty of life in it (the pitch)," he said as per ESPNcricinfo.

India will be bolstered by the return of Jasprit Bumrah, who missed the Edgbaston Test. They'll also draw confidence from their last visit to Lord's in 2021, where they triumphed by 151 runs. With both camps eyeing a crucial lead, and the pitch drawing headlines already, the third Test promises fireworks when it kicks off on July 10.