Stuart Broad Sounds Alarm for England: Indian Pace Attack Poised to Dominate Lord's Test

Monday - 07/07/2025 03:15

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.

Following India's commanding 336-run victory over England at Edgbaston, the five-Test series is now level at 1-1. As the teams prepare for the third Test at Lord's, former England bowler Stuart Broad has issued a stark warning to the home side regarding the Indian bowling attack.

Ben Stokes in discussion with Jamie Smith

England captain Ben Stokes in talks with wicketkeeper Jamie Smith in Birmingham.

Broad, speaking on Sky Sports, suggested that the current Indian bowling attack poses a significant threat. He highlighted the unique characteristics of the Lord's pitch, stating, "This Indian bowling attack would worry me if I was in that England batting lineup. 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.”

The Shubman Gill-led Indian team, buoyed by their first Test win at Edgbaston, appears confident. Gill led the charge with a remarkable match aggregate of 430 runs, while Akash Deep impressed with a 10-wicket haul, stepping up in Jasprit Bumrah's absence.

With Bumrah expected to return for the third Test, speculation is rife about the team composition. Former England captain Mark Butcher believes India is unlikely to make significant changes. "Bumrah will come back, and the rest will stay the same,” Butcher commented.

Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara echoed this sentiment, 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 pace attack. Broad expressed reservations about rushing Jofra Archer or Gus Atkinson into the squad without adequate match fitness. “[Chris] Woakes hasn’t had great success and was unlucky, but his Lord’s record is outstanding,” Broad noted.

Despite England's strong record at Lord's, Broad emphasized the danger posed by the Indian attack, especially with Bumrah's return. "England play well at Lord’s, but this Indian attack — especially with Bumrah back — could pose a serious threat.”

As the third Test approaches, the focus is on India's potent pace attack, which is putting England on high alert.