Broad Warns England: India's Pace Attack Poses "Serious Threat" at 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.

India's commanding 336-run victory over England at Edgbaston has leveled the five-Test series at 1-1, injecting fresh excitement into the contest. As the teams prepare for the third Test at Lord's, starting on July 10, discussions are centered on team compositions and the challenge posed by what Stuart Broad describes as a "dangerous" Indian bowling attack.

Ben Stokes in discussion with Jamie Smith during a match

England captain Ben Stokes in talks with wicketkeeper Jamie Smith in Birmingham. (Getty Images)

"This Indian bowling attack would worry me if I was in that England batting lineup," Broad stated during a Sky Sports panel discussion following India's impressive win. "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."

Shubman Gill’s youthful Indian team, buoyed by their first-ever Test win at Edgbaston, appears confident and settled. Gill led from the front with a total of 430 runs (269 and 161), while Akash Deep stepped up in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence, claiming an impressive 10-wicket haul.

With Bumrah expected to return, 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."

On the England side, the focus is on revitalizing their struggling pace attack. "[Chris] Woakes hasn’t had great success and was unlucky, but his Lord’s record is outstanding," Broad noted. He also cautioned against rushing in Jofra Archer or Gus Atkinson without sufficient recent match fitness.

"England play well at Lord’s," Broad concluded, "but this Indian attack – especially with Bumrah back – could pose a serious threat."

As the third Test approaches, it is India’s revitalized pace attack, rather than just their record-breaking captain, that has England on high alert.