Irfan Pathan announces India playing XI for Lord’s Test against England, star pacer snubbed
Former Cricketer Irfan Pathan Shares Predictions for India and England Playing XIs for Third Test
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan recently shared his playing XIs predictions for the upcoming third Test match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy between India and England. The highly anticipated match is scheduled to begin on Thursday, July 10, at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. With the series currently tied at 1-1, both teams will be looking to secure a crucial victory to gain the upper hand.
India’s Playing XI Predictions
After India’s impressive 336-run victory in the second Test at Edgbaston, Irfan Pathan is backing the same batting lineup for India. Pathan suggested that KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal should open the innings, with Karun Nair retaining his spot at No. 3 despite his recent poor form. Pathan expressed confidence that one good innings could help Nair regain his confidence.
Pathan also included Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant in the middle order, with Ravindra Jadeja at No. 6 and Nitish Kumar Reddy dropping down to No. 7. While Reddy has struggled with the bat so far, Pathan believes that the young player will continue to improve with more experience in English conditions.
In terms of the bowling lineup, Pathan included Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep in India’s pace attack. Skipper Shubman Gill confirmed that Bumrah would return to the playing XI after being rested for the second Test to manage his workload. Pathan emphasized that India will have an advantage in seam-friendly conditions with Bumrah back in the team, making it even tougher for England.
England’s Playing XI Predictions
According to Irfan Pathan, the top eight batters in England’s lineup are expected to remain unchanged for the upcoming Test. Pathan predicted that Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley will open the innings, followed by Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.
Pathan suggested that England might opt for an all-pace attack due to the seam-friendly nature of the Lord’s pitch. He mentioned the possibility of Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson coming into the team, which could result in some fast bowlers from the previous match being left out. Pathan also speculated that Joe Root might handle spin duties if England decides to drop the spinner and focus on their pace bowlers.
With both teams gearing up for a crucial battle at Lord’s, fans are eagerly anticipating the third Test match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. As per Irfan Pathan’s predictions, the playing XIs for both India and England are set to showcase some exciting talent and strategies, adding to the thrill and suspense surrounding the upcoming match.
Prediction and Strategy Insights
As the third Test match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy approaches, cricket enthusiasts are abuzz with excitement and anticipation. The predictions offered by former cricketer Irfan Pathan shed light on the potential playing XIs of both India and England, sparking discussions and debates among fans and analysts alike.
Pathan’s astute analysis of the upcoming match highlights the importance of balance and adaptability in team selection. His recommendations for India’s lineup underscore the significance of continuity and faith in players, even during challenging times. By advocating for the inclusion of Karun Nair despite his recent struggles, Pathan demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the mental aspect of cricket and the potential for a player to bounce back with one good performance.
On the other hand, Pathan’s predictions for England’s playing XI reveal a strategic approach that takes into account the unique characteristics of the Lord’s pitch. The suggestion of an all-pace attack showcases a proactive mindset aimed at exploiting the conditions to maximize England’s chances of success. By speculating on the roles of key players like Jofra Archer and Joe Root, Pathan provides valuable insights into the potential tactics that England might employ to counter India’s formidable lineup.
Key Players to Watch
Aside from the playing XIs, the third Test match is also set to feature some compelling individual matchups and performances to keep an eye on. Players like Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rishabh Pant for India, and Ben Stokes, Joe Root, and Jofra Archer for England, are expected to play pivotal roles in shaping the outcome of the game.
Gill’s elegant stroke play and Bumrah’s lethal pace bowling make them formidable assets for India, capable of turning the tide in their favor. Pant’s aggressive batting style and ability to counterattack under pressure could provide the team with crucial momentum at crucial junctures in the match.
On the English side, the leadership and batting prowess of Root, combined with the all-round skills of Stokes, offer a strong foundation for England’s batting lineup. Archer’s express pace and ability to extract bounce from the pitch make him a potent threat to the Indian batsmen, especially in conditions conducive to fast bowling.
Anticipation and Excitement
With the series delicately poised at 1-1, the third Test at Lord’s promises to be a thrilling encounter between two cricketing powerhouses. The history and tradition associated with the iconic venue add an extra layer of prestige to the match, elevating the stakes for both teams as they vie for supremacy.
As fans eagerly await the action to unfold on the hallowed turf of Lord’s, the predictions and insights provided by Irfan Pathan serve as a valuable guide to understanding the potential strategies and dynamics at play. The clash of talent, skill, and tactics between India and England is sure to captivate audiences and deliver moments of brilliance and drama that define the essence of Test cricket.
In conclusion, the third Test match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy is poised to be a spectacle of cricketing excellence, showcasing the best of what both India and England have to offer. With the playing XIs taking shape based on predictions and analysis, the stage is set for a gripping contest that will test the mettle and resilience of the players involved. Let the anticipation build, as cricket fans around the world gear up for another chapter in this historic rivalry.


