Lord’s, London:
The iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground is once again the stage as India and England lock horns in the third Test of the five-match series. With the series tied 1–1, the momentum hangs in balance and much will depend on who seizes the initiative in the opening session on Day 1.
Lord’s is ready… 👀#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/0rulD4Zo9i
— England’s Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) July 10, 2025
Toss Update: England Elect to Bat First
England skipper Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bat first under clear skies, placing faith in his top order to handle the morning conditions on a green-tinged surface. The decision is bold, considering the swing and seam movement Lord’s offers early on especially with the slope and fresh pitch in play.
India, led by Shubman Gill in the absence of Rohit Sharma, will be hoping their seam attack can strike early and dictate terms from the outset.
Weather Conditions: Perfect for Cricket
London is basking in bright sunshine, with temperatures hovering around 30°C (86°F) throughout the day. There’s no threat of rain, and overhead conditions remain clear, though slightly humid a recipe that could aid seam and swing bowlers early in the session.
Pitch Report: Grass Cover, Seam Movement & the Lord’s Slope
The pitch at Lord’s shows noticeable grass cover, suggesting plenty of movement in the first two days. The legendary 2.5-metre slope adds another layer of challenge for batters, especially when facing high-quality fast bowling from both ends.
Experts on the ground have described it as a “true Test pitch” one that will reward patience, discipline, and smart shot selection early on, and eventually flatten out for batters before breaking up late in the game.
Also Read: IND vs ENG: What Can We Expect From Day 1 Of The 3rd Lord’s Test?
Who Will Dominate Session One?
| Team | Key Player(s) | Day 1 Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| England (Batting) | Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root | Survive the new ball with discipline, leave well outside off, and punish anything loose. Building a solid opening stand will be key to setting the tone. |
| India (Bowling) | Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep | Make full use of the green pitch and Lord’s slope, hit consistent lengths, and aim for early breakthroughs to rattle England’s top order. |
Session Preview: Advantage with the Ball, If Executed Well
With England opting to bat first on a surface that promises early assistance for seamers, the first hour could prove decisive. Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett will be tested by India’s pace trio Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep who have all shown excellent control in these conditions.
India’s attack is expected to focus on maintaining tight lines outside off-stump, exploiting lateral movement off the pitch and the slope. Bumrah’s accuracy and Siraj’s relentless length make them especially dangerous, while Akash Deep will aim to impress in his first Lord’s appearance with aggression and bounce.
If England’s top order survives unscathed through the first session, it could tilt the day in their favour. However, a couple of early wickets particularly of in-form players like Crawley or Root could swing momentum sharply India’s way.
Key Battles to Watch
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Bumrah vs Crawley: India’s strike bowler will look to challenge Crawley’s technique with late movement.
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Siraj vs Duckett: Can Duckett resist temptation outside off early on?
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Akash Deep vs Root: A first-time matchup with a lot of pressure on both ends.
With overcast swing absent but grass and slope on offer, the first session at Lord’s will be about discipline, strategy, and mental toughness. Both sides have the weapons but it’s the execution under pressure that will determine who goes to lunch on top.
