Key Players to Watch in England vs India 3rd Test 2025

As the third Test at Lord’s (July 10–14, 2025) between England and India unfolds, several standout individuals are expected to influence the outcome dramatically. Here's a deeper look at the key batsmen, bowlers, and all-rounders to watch.

England’s Batting Threats

1. Harry Brook (ENG)

England's dynamic middle-order batsman has had an explosive series so far: 1,083 runs at an average of 63.70 and a strike rate of 85.47 in Tests this year. His pace and ball-striking make him an obvious threat—he's scored an unbeaten 186 and formed a mammoth 302-run stand with Root at Leeds.

2. Ben Duckett (ENG)

Opening partner Duckett brings balance with aggression and stability. He’s scored 911 runs at an average of 50.61. Known for rapid starts (e.g., 151 vs NZ & quick fifties at Trent Bridge), Duckett's form will be crucial on a challenging Lord's deck.

3. Joe Root (ENG)

The experienced anchor has crafted 875 runs at 58.33. Root’s consistency and technical prowess in England’s middle order make him essential for withstanding India's attack and stabilising innings.

India’s Top Performers

4. Shubman Gill (IND)

India’s Test captain is in spectacular form—822 runs at 63.23 average. He scored a historic 269 & 161 in Edgbaston, becoming the first Indian to record 200 & 150+ in a Test . His ability to adapt to Lord’s slope will be pivotal.

5. Rishabh Pant (IND)

A match-winner with the bat, Pant has amassed 858 runs at 45.15. He struck centuries in both innings of the first Test and continued strong in Birmingham. His aggressive batting at No. 5 lends momentum when needed most.

6. Yashasvi Jaiswal (IND)

The fearless young opener has scored 704 runs at 41.41. His controlled aggression complements Gill's stability, making their partnership vital on a green seaming pitch.

Bowling Battlefront

7. Jofra Archer (ENG)

England hope that Archer, returning after a 4½-year Test hiatus, will reignite their fast bowling arsenal. His pace and bounce, especially on a lively Lord’s surface, could be England’s X-factor.

8. Brydon Carse (ENG)

An effective support seamer with 31 wickets at a 3.61 economy in six Tests. Expect Carse to exploit lateral movement early on a green deck.

9. Shoaib Bashir (ENG)

Young spinner Bashir is on 29 wickets at 4.08 economy, bringing leg-spin variety to England's attack. With the pitch expected to flatten later, he could play a crucial middle-overs role.

10. Jasprit Bumrah (IND)

India welcome back their premier pacer, fresh from a 40-wicket haul at 2.90 economy in eight Tests. His seam movement and precision on Lord’s surface could tilt balance early on .

11. Mohammed Siraj (IND)

With 31 wickets at 3.98 economy in nine Tests, Siraj adds aggression and swing. His form will determine how England's top order fares in early conditions.

All-Rounders & Game-Changers

12. Ben Stokes (ENG, c)

England’s captain and all-rounder has underwhelmed recently—his batting average dropped from 40.7 to 26.5. Known to bounce back, Lord’s offers a chance to reignite form and lead from the front.

13. Akash Deep (IND)

The emerging fast bowler took a sensational 4+6 in Edgbaston, playing a key role in India’s record win. Expect Deep to continue exploiting seam and bounce in favourable conditions.

14. Washington Sundar & Ravindra Jadeja (IND)

Sundar brings batting depth with spin options; Jadeja’s experience and accuracy make him a steady force in middle overs—especially valuable if England rotate their spinners.

Tactical Implications

• Pace vs Patience: England’s renewed emphasis on seamers (Archer, Carse) aiming to exploit the green wicket and Lord’s slope.
   
• Batting resilience: India’s top order has shown consistent form—Gill, Jaiswal, Pant can anchor innings even on bowler-friendly surfaces.
   
• Middle overs pivot: Bashir vs Jadeja/Sundar contest and Bumrah vs Root/Stokes battle will likely define control over run flow.

Fantasy Picks & Predictions

• Captaincy candidates: Shubman Gill (India) and Harry Brook (England) promise high fantasy points through runs. 
   
• Value picks: Akash Deep and Shoaib Bashir offer wicket-taking potential at attractive rates. 
   
• Dark horse: Jofra Archer, if he gets early metrics right, could deliver vital breakthroughs and fantasy glory.

Conclusion

With seven standout players from each side set to influence the Test, the third clash at Lord’s is shaping up as a high-stakes confrontation. Seamers will dominate Day 1, but batting depth and adaptability will define long-term control. 

Expect performances from Archer, Gill, Brook, Deep, and Bumrah to decide momentum and set the tone for this critical Test.