ENG vs IND 2025: Irfan Pathan predicts India and England playing XIs ahead of Lord’s Test

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has revealed his playing XIs for both India and England ahead of the third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, set to begin on Thursday, July 10 at Lord’s, London. The five-match Test series is currently level at 1-1, following India’s dominant 336-run victory at Edgbaston.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former all-rounder said that not many changes are required in India’s batting lineup. He predicted KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal to open the innings, while backing Karun Nair to retain his spot at No. 3 despite his recent struggles. Irfan noted that Nair just needs one good knock to get back among the runs.

He further added that in-form batters Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant should continue in their respective positions, having made significant contributions in the previous two matches. Ravindra Jadeja was slotted in at No. 6, while Irfan moved Nitish Kumar Reddy down to No. 7. Despite Reddy’s lack of runs in both innings so far, Irfan believes time will help him improve on English soil.

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With Gill confirming that Jasprit Bumrah will return for the Lord’s Test after a well-earned rest, Irfan included Bumrah in the XI, along with Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep to complete the pace attack.

For England, Irfan predicted Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley to continue as openers, followed by Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, and captain Ben Stokes in their respective middle-order positions. He named wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith at No. 7.

Considering Lord’s typically offers more assistance to pacers, Irfan included Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse in the bowling attack. He also named Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson, both returning from injury, dropping spinners Shoaib Bashir and youngster Josh Tongue from the XI.

Irfan Pathan's India predicted XI for 3rd Test

KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Karun Nair, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj

Irfan Pathan's England predicted XI for 3rd Test

Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse