Following India's dominant 336-run victory over England at Edgbaston, which leveled the five-Test series at 1-1, former England bowler Stuart Broad has issued a stark warning to the home side. As the teams prepare for the crucial third Test at Lord's, Broad has highlighted the potency of the Indian bowling attack, suggesting it could pose a significant challenge to England's batting lineup.
Ben Stokes and Jamie Smith strategize during a break in play.
"This Indian bowling attack would worry me if I was in that England batting lineup," Broad stated on Sky Sports. He emphasized the unique conditions at Lord's, saying, "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."
India's team, led by Shubman Gill, appears confident after their historic win at Edgbaston. Gill's impressive performance, with a total of 430 runs (269 and 161), and Akash Deep's remarkable 10-wicket haul have boosted the team's morale.
The expected return of Jasprit Bumrah further strengthens India's bowling arsenal. Former England captain Mark Butcher anticipates minimal changes to the Indian lineup, stating, "Bumrah will come back, and the rest will stay the same."
Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep will likely retain their places. "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 focusing on revitalizing their pace attack. Broad expressed reservations about immediately including Jofra Archer or Gus Atkinson without sufficient match fitness. Regarding Chris Woakes, Broad commented, "Woakes hasn’t had great success and was unlucky, but his Lord’s record is outstanding."
Despite England's strong record at Lord's, Broad cautioned that the Indian attack, especially with Bumrah's return, presents a significant danger.
As the third Test approaches, the spotlight is on India's reinvigorated pace attack, posing a formidable challenge for England.
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