Image Credit: BCCI
Broad Issues Stark Warning Ahead of Lord’s Test vs India
Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has issued a sharp warning ahead of the third Test at Lord’s, cautioning England’s batters to be prepared for a rampaging Indian pace attack. With Jasprit Bumrah returning and Akash Deep in red-hot form, Broad believes England is up against one of the most dangerous bowling combinations in world cricket right now.
Broad, now a cricket analyst, pointed out that the Lord’s slope traditionally assists seamers and could amplify the threat posed by India’s quicks. He emphasised that if he were in England’s position, he’d be “worried” about facing both Bumrah’s reverse swing and Akash Deep’s late-moving deliveries on a surface known to support new-ball movement.
Broad warning
He suggested that India would likely retain Washington Sundar at No. 8 for added batting depth while replacing Prasidh Krishna with Bumrah. Broad also highlighted the balance in India’s bowling unit—with Siraj’s aggression, Deep’s control, and Bumrah’s unpredictability—all capable of dismantling top orders early. He encouraged India to use Akash Deep wisely with the new ball and warned England to prepare for relentless early pressure.
England’s response
Broad’s remarks come at a crucial time, with England having suffered a heavy 336-run defeat in the second Test at Edgbaston. That loss not only leveled the series 1–1 but also exposed vulnerabilities in England’s batting lineup. He questioned whether England had the resources in their current seam attack to take 20 wickets at Lord’s, especially with injury concerns and inconsistent performances plaguing their bowling unit.
As England prepares for the third Test starting July 10, the team is under mounting pressure to regroup. Key changes in personnel and strategy may be necessary if they hope to withstand India’s increasingly confident and tactically astute attack.
