Former English captain Nasser Hussain believes that the ongoing test series of five matches could be moved in Indian benefit after the hosts were comprehensively defeated in Edgbaston test. Nasser, however, counts on the fact that the return of the “special” archer Jofra could be the spark of England desperately needs.
“England was completely out of Edgbaston,” Hussain said. “The difference between the two sides was for me how well the two opening pitchs bowed to India, it seemed that they bowled on another surface.”
The numbers support his concerns. During the first two tests of India, it collected a net total of 1,849 runs, which often exceeded 350-run in each shift. On the other hand, English bowling attacks, which are awarded names like James Anderson, Chris Woakes and Ollie Robinson — Has, looked flat and lacked pace and bite. While the highest order of India was beneficial, England was fighting for consistency and movement.
One glaring problem is the absence of a real fast pitch capable of reversing the momentum and intimidating dough. This is where Jofra Archer re -enters the picture. It is expected that in the third test at Lord’s near Lord’s to create its first appearance of the red ball in four years, after withstanding a long and painful section with injuries-in addition to the elbow problem, a fracture on the stress in the back, and the last palette suffered during IPL playing.
“We only see Jofra Bowling to MIT, we don’t see all the rehabilitation work you have to do – it must be the destruction of the soul, all returns, attempts to return and injury.
“It’s an absolute gambling,” Hussain admitted. “He has been for a long time. We saw the pitch -offs back and mature with tea. But when Jofra was the best, he was strange and England needs something special.”
Archer’s return could be accompanied by Gus Atkinson, another possibility of pace that returned from the injury. England can also turn to someone like Sam Cook, which can mix long spells and allow Archer and Atkinson to work in a short, sharp explosion, -All Ben Stokes cannot contribute significantly to the ball due to the knee problems.
Meanwhile, India seems to be only stronger. Jasprit Bumrah, rested for the second test, is to return and lead an impressive pace of attack, which includes Akash Deep-, who took 10 goals in Edgbaston and Mohammed Siraj, who remembered eight goals during the last visit to India in the Lord in 2021.
“India has taken gambling, but instead of being 0-2 down, it’s 1-1 with a bum. All eyes are now changing to the Lord, where England owns gambling on Archer or break their summer.
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Published:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
9 July 2025
