Ind vs Eng 3rd Test | 'Jasprit Bumrah is so accurate and has a very clear mind': Rishabh Pant

After the stupendous performance by pacers Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj at Edgbaston, the Indian team management is happy that Bumrah will bolster the attack at the iconic venue, where India will go all out for a win and strengthen their hold on the five-match series by taking a 2-1 lead.

It’s England, who are more desperate for Archer’s return after their bowlers have not been able to contain the Indian batters, who are on a scoring spree getting over 1700 runs in the first two games.

England have realised that it’s not easy to outbat their rivals on flat pitches and are thus banking on their pacers to tame the visitors on a greenish pitch.

Of course with the weather predicted to be in the early 30 degrees, it’ll be interesting to see how the wicket behaves across five days and if it will be another high-scoring tie.

India vice-captain Rishabh Pant, in the pre-match media conference, admitted that Bumrah’s return to the playing XI, gives the Indian bowling an edge. “We all know Bumrah is one of the best bowlers. He is so accurate and has a very clear mind on what and how he wants to bowl. He is always planning to get wickets and that gives our bowling a big boost.”

Skipper excited

England captain Ben Stokes said that the return of Archer to Test cricket after a long absence is good news for English cricket. “It is really exciting. I think it’s great for English fans, but also for Jofra. It’s been a long time coming for him. I think the way in which he’s handled the injury setbacks over that period, it’s been very commendable. And then the way in which he’s got himself back onto the field and playing cricket over a long period of time now,” said Stokes.

It will be interesting to see who will make the most of the conditions, but there is no doubt that another great contest is in store at the Home of Cricket with both teams desperate to surge ahead going into the fourth Test.