ENG vs IND 2025: Why are Prasidh Krishna and Josh Tongue not playing third Test?

India and England will look to break the 1-1 deadlock in the five-match series as they square off at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground on Day 1 of the third Test on Thursday, July 10. The tourists are coming into this contest on the back of a morale-boosting 336-run win in the second Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

Toss Update

Ben Stokes won the toss and had no hesitation in opting to bat first. Despite the short turnaround from the Edgbaston Test, which concluded on Sunday, July 6, Stokes asserted that the players are doing well physically and mentally. On the other hand, Shubman Gill was happy to bowl first. He believes that the bowlers will get some assistance from the surface, especially in the first session.

England, India make once change apiece

England had announced their playing XI on Wednesday (July 9). They made just one change, bringing Jofra Archer into the side in place of Josh Tongue, who is the leading wicket-taker in the series so far with 11 wickets from two matches. Archer will be playing his first Test since February 2021.

Meanwhile, India revealed their playing XI only after the toss. They made one change, which was quite expected. Jasprit Bumrah returned to the side, replacing the out-of-form Prasidh Krishna. Bumrah was rested in the second Test and will be raring to go at the Home of Cricket.

What did the captains say?

Ben Stokes, England

We are going to have a bat. Generally this surface has some help for the bowlers in the first hour. It (the mood) is good, well fought series and we are up for this game. The body is good. Quick turnaround, we are fresh and ready to go. Everyone likes playing at Lord's and you have to enjoy the occasion. Just one change - Archer replaces Tongue.

Shubman Gill, India

I was confused what to do till this morning. I would have bowled first. There would be something for the bowlers in the first session. Everyone chipped in and that's what the discussion was about. The bowlers are feeling confident, wasn't easy to pick 20 wickets on that (Edgbaston) wicket. I am feeling great, as a batter you expect to be in the middle of the situation and batting. We have one change - Bumrah for Prasidh.

Playing XIs

England

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Jamie Smith (WK), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir.

India

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