India vs. England: Broad Issues Stark Warning to England Batters Ahead of Lord's Test

Monday - 07/07/2025 03:25

India secured a massive win against England, leveling the series 1-1. The third Test shifts to Lord's. Stuart Broad highlights India's potent bowling attack, especially with Jasprit Bumrah's return. Shubman Gill's team is confident after their Edgbaston triumph. England focuses on strengthening their pace options. All eyes are on how England will counter India's revitalized pace attack.

India's emphatic 336-run victory over England at Edgbaston has leveled the five-Test series at 1-1, injecting new energy into the contest. As the teams prepare for the third Test at Lord’s, attention is turning to team compositions and the challenge of facing a "dangerous" Indian bowling attack, as described by Stuart Broad.

Ben Stokes discussing strategy with Jamie Smith

England captain Ben Stokes in talks with wicketkeeper Jamie Smith in Birmingham. (Getty Images)

"This Indian bowling attack would worry me if I was in that England batting lineup," Broad stated during a Sky Sports panel discussion following India’s impressive win. "The ball just nips down that slope at Lord’s. Akash Deep brings the stumps into play, and if it swings, Bumrah will be lethal with the late movement."

Shubman Gill's youthful Indian team, buoyed by their first-ever Test win at Edgbaston, appear confident and settled. Gill led the charge with a total of 430 runs in the match (269 and 161), while Akash Deep excelled in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, claiming an impressive 10 wickets.

With Bumrah poised to return, former England captain Mark Butcher anticipates minimal changes to the Indian lineup. "Bumrah will come back, and the rest will stay the same," Butcher predicted.

Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara concurred, adding, "[Mohammed] Siraj and Akash Deep will play. Prasidh Krishna might make way for Bumrah. And they’ll probably retain Washington Sundar at No. 8 for the balance he offers."

England, on the other hand, are focused on revitalizing their struggling pace attack. Broad commented, "[Chris] Woakes hasn’t had great success and was unlucky, but his Lord’s record is outstanding." He also cautioned against prematurely introducing Jofra Archer or Gus Atkinson without sufficient match fitness.

"England play well at Lord’s," Broad acknowledged, "but this Indian attack – especially with Bumrah back – could pose a serious threat."

As the third Test approaches, it is India's reinvigorated pace attack, and not just their captain, that has England on high alert.