Fantasy Cricket Tips for England vs India 3rd Test – Who Should Be in Your Team?

As the third Test between India and England gets underway at Lord’s from July 10, fantasy cricket managers are gearing up for another big contest in their Dream11 and other platforms. With both teams showcasing form players and evolving strategies, building a winning fantasy team for this Test needs a smart balance of consistency, potential, and pitch awareness.

Let’s break down the top captaincy options, in-form picks, underrated choices, and overall strategy for your fantasy cricket team.

Captain & Vice-Captain Options

At the heart of any fantasy team are your captain and vice-captain picks. They score double and 1.5x points respectively—so choosing the right duo can win you contests.

Shubman Gill stands out as the top captaincy option. He’s coming off a purple patch, scoring back-to-back centuries in the previous Tests. As India’s captain and opener, he plays long innings and takes on pressure roles. That combination often results in big fantasy hauls.

For vice-captain, Jasprit Bumrah is a smart choice—especially if he plays at Lord’s after being rested in the last Test. His ability to take wickets in clusters, especially with the new ball, makes him a fantasy favourite. His performance at Leeds earlier in the series was a reminder of the impact he can have in English conditions.

Key Batters to Pick

India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal has been in stunning form throughout the 2025 season. His fearless strokeplay and ability to bat deep make him a safe option. Even in English conditions, he has adapted well, providing excellent starts.

On England’s side, Joe Root remains their most reliable run-scorer in red-ball cricket. Whether it’s playing spin or steadying collapses, Root is consistent and usually among the top point-getters in Tests.

If you want a more aggressive option, Harry Brook brings explosiveness in the middle order. He can take the game away quickly and fetches rapid fantasy points when on song. Ben Duckett, meanwhile, is a good mid-range batter who has chipped in with significant contributions—including a century at Leeds.

All-Rounders to Watch

Ben Stokes is a fantasy asset even in Tests, given his batting time and potential to pick up wickets in favourable conditions. While his bowling role has been limited lately, he remains a big-game player.

For India, Ravindra Jadeja offers dual value. His batting has improved massively in Tests, and he’s always in the game with the ball, especially on Days 3 to 5 when the pitch offers turn. If he bowls a long spell or adds a handy fifty, that’s bonus fantasy gold.

Budget & Sleeper Picks

In fantasy contests, it's the lesser-known names that often make the biggest difference. Shoaib Bashir, England’s off-spinner, has been gaining attention with his clever variations, including a recently-debuted carrom ball. If the pitch turns even slightly, he could be a surprise match-winner.

India’s Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav are two more value picks. Siraj may play second fiddle to Bumrah, but he strikes often and cheaply. Kuldeep, if included, can pick up key wickets on turning tracks.

Match & Pitch Conditions

Lord’s traditionally assists seamers early due to its unique slope and green cover. That means picking at least two pacers from either side is crucial. But as the match progresses, expect the surface to wear and assist spinners, especially on Days 4 and 5.

Weather forecasts suggest mild rain on a couple of days, but nothing major enough to significantly reduce play. Still, it may add to seam movement early in the match—another reason to back pacers up front.

Final Fantasy Team Strategy

A well-rounded Test fantasy team should feature:

• 4 batters (including Gill and Root)
   
• 2 all-rounders (Jadeja and Stokes are strong picks)
   
• 3 bowlers (one spinner, two seamers minimum)
   
• 1 wicketkeeper (Pant or Bairstow)
   

Captain Gill and vice-captain Bumrah offer the perfect high-reward combination. Keep an eye on final lineups before the toss, as last-minute changes—especially among India’s bowlers—can affect your team’s balance.