Lord’s, London:
India will resume Day 3 of the third Test at Lord’s at 145/3, still trailing England by 242 runs, with KL Rahul (53) and Rishabh Pant (19) at the crease. Having battled through the final session of Day 2 with discipline and patience, the Indian pair now faces a fresh challenge the spell of Jofra Archer, who will return with renewed energy on a pitch that still has some life early in the morning.
With the series level at 1–1, Day 3 is critical, and how India’s middle-order handles the first hour could determine the course of this Test match.
The Threat: Jofra Archer With The Ball
Jofra Archer, who already bowled with venom late on Day 2, is expected to start proceedings on Saturday morning. Clocking speeds close to 93 mph (150 km/h) and hitting the seam consistently, Archer poses a dual threat:
-
High Pace & Steep Bounce: Lord’s slope, combined with Archer’s skiddy action, creates awkward bounce especially against shorter batters like Pant.
-
Lateral Movement: The Dukes ball is known to swing and seam for at least 15–20 overs. Archer, fresh with the new ball due in just 15 overs, will look to exploit any hint of movement in the early morning conditions.
What Should Rahul And Pant Do?
1. Play Late, Leave Early:
KL Rahul, known for his tight technique outside off-stump, must continue to leave balls early in the spell. Let Archer settle into his rhythm or disrupt it by denying him early edges. Patience is key.
2. Control The Hook and Pull:
Archer has a reputation for using short-pitched bowling to trap set batters into false strokes. Pant, in particular, should be wary of the instinctive hook instead, try swaying or dropping his hands when in doubt.
3. Watch the Slope:
At Lord’s, the slope runs from left to right (as seen from the Pavilion End). Archer’s deliveries naturally angle across Rahul, who must avoid driving loosely early on. Pant, being left-handed, will have to guard against balls tailing in off the slope into his pads or stumps.
4. Rotate Strike Smartly:
Rather than trying to hit their way out of trouble, Rahul and Pant should look for sharp singles to disrupt Archer’s rhythm and force England to change field placements. A busy approach, rather than an aggressive one, may help break the spell.
5. Survive the First 45 Minutes:
The primary goal must be to see off the first 45–60 minutes without damage. With only 15 overs left before the second new ball becomes available, England will go hard. If this pair can resist, India can chip away at the deficit calmly.
Tactical Outlook: Why This Partnership Matters
Rahul and Pant are India’s last recognized batting pair before the all-rounders and lower order arrive. A big partnership here could:
-
Narrow England’s 242-run lead, and
-
Lay the foundation for a first-innings lead, giving India control going into Day 4.
Given Bumrah’s excellent form with the ball, India would ideally want to bat long, take a 50–70 run lead, and put England back in on a wearing pitch.
Also Read: Superman: James Gunn’s Reboot Takes Off Strong, Beats F1!
England’s Plan
England captain Ben Stokes will unleash Archer and Chris Woakes from both ends with attacking fields. They’ll bank on:
- Inducing edges with the fuller length outside off, and
- Using short stuff to test Pant’s reflexes and force an error.
They will want two quick wickets before India crosses 200 which would expose the tail and put the visitors under pressure.
The morning session of Day 3 is set to be a fierce battle between Archer’s firepower and India’s resilience. If Rahul and Pant can absorb the early pressure and build a solid stand, India could wrest control of the Test. But if Archer strikes early, England could be back on top.
Eyes will be on how India’s batting spine handles the heat. One good hour may well decide the fate of this Test and possibly the series.
