India’s probable playing XI for 3rd Test: Bumrah to Replace Prasidh Krishna as India Eye Lord’s Dominance

Jasprit Bumrah is set to return to India’s playing XI for the third Test against England at Lord’s, replacing out-of-form pacer Prasidh Krishna. The third match of the five-Test Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy begins on July 10 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, with the series currently tied 1-1 after India’s commanding 336-run victory in the second Test at Edgbaston.

India’s dominant win in Birmingham was their first-ever at Edgbaston and their largest away win by runs in Test history. The performance was even more remarkable considering they were without Bumrah, as well as senior players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin. Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj filled the void with exceptional spells, sharing 10 wickets in the second innings to secure a memorable result for the visitors.

Bumrah, who was rested for the second Test as part of workload management, is expected to be back to lead the bowling attack. In the opening Test at Leeds, he returned from injury with figures of 5/83 in the first innings but went wicketless in the second as India fell to a five-wicket loss. Despite that, his ability to generate pace and movement has made him an automatic selection for high-stakes matches.

Former England spinner Monty Panesar supported the move, calling Bumrah the world’s best and insisting that he is a “must” for India’s playing XI at Lord’s. Panesar said Prasidh Krishna, who has played back-to-back Tests with limited success, should be rested. Krishna, despite taking five wickets in the opening match, struggled with consistency and conceded runs at over six an over. His performance in the second Test was also below par, managing just one wicket.

India is expected to stick with their current top-order. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul have each notched up a century and a fifty so far. Karun Nair may keep his spot at No. 3 despite modest returns, while captain Shubman Gill, fresh off an extraordinary 269 in the first innings at Edgbaston and a rapid 161 in the second, will lead the charge at No. 4. Rishabh Pant will bat at No. 5, having scored centuries in both innings of the first Test.

Ravindra Jadeja will bring experience and balance at No. 6, while Washington Sundar is expected to retain his place at No. 7 after a valuable 42 in the first innings at Birmingham. Nitish Kumar Reddy could once again feature at No. 8, providing batting depth. Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj, after their standout performances, are likely to lead the pace attack alongside the returning Bumrah.

India’s probable playing XI for the third Test: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj.