Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak gave an insight into the Lord's pitch for the third Test between India and England. The test match starts from July 10 with the series level at 1-1.
India won the second Test at Edgbaston by 336 runs drawing level in the series. They went down in the first Test at Headingley as England chased 371 to win the Test match.
Heading into the third Test, the return of Jasprit Bumrah was confirmed by Indian skipper Shubman Gill. Bumrah was rested in the second Test with Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj stepping up for India.
Also Read: "Where's my favorite Journalist?": Shubman Gill roasts reporter after emphatic win
Advertisement
First Look At Lord's Pitch
England also announced their squad for the third Test bringing in Gus Atkinson. They also have Jofra Archer in their ranks who is expected to play at Lord's. Meanwhile, Indian batting coach Sitanshu Kotak spoke to the reporters ahead of the third Test giving an insight into the Lord's pitch. He said that the pitch looks green and should help the bowlers.
“Pitch is very green. We will get an idea after they cut grass tomorrow. Can expect help for bowlers… mindset will be key for the batters" Kotak said.
The Indian batting coach further denied taking any credit after India's win at Edgbaston. Shubman Gill broke several records as he scored 269 and 161 runs in the two innings of the Test match and ended with 430 runs in the match. Siraj and Akash Deep shared 17 wickets in the match for India.
“I would not like to take credit for batters scoring runs, it is them. This wicket will be challenging but not thinking too much about it" the Indian batting coach added.
Also Read: IND vs ENG: 'The game loses its essence without help for bowlers' - Gill's take on flat pitches
Advertisement
Both Teams Looking To Add Extra Pacer At Lord's
Both teams are likely to go in with an extra pacer given the first sights of the Lord's pitch. India played two spinners in the last match. There are talks about Kuldeep Yadav's possible selection in place of Nitish Kumar Reddy given that he did not do much in the second Test. It will also be interesting to see where India stands with Washington Sundar after his performance at Edgbaston.
The Indian batting coach concluded his interaction by praising Gill's mindset and technique for his heroics with the bat at Edgbaston.
"Nothing has changed because of captaincy. Mindset has been good - wants to spend time, he has the skill to put loose balls away. There have been technical changes which he has done" Kotak concluded saying.
Also Read: Tim David Hints at Retirement from ODI Cricket Ahead of 2027 World Cup
