London: As India prepare to take on England in the third Test at Lord’s starting Thursday, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has sounded a strong warning to his batting unit, cautioning them about the “green and spicy” pitch expected at the iconic venue.
Kotak emphasized that the team cannot afford complacency—especially with Lord’s deck offering significant assistance to fast bowlers.
“The pitch looks greener than what we saw in Leeds or Birmingham. We can expect seam, swing, and bounce. The key will be patience and shot selection,” Kotak told reporters at the pre-match press conference.
A Battle of Grit Over Glamour
Historically, Lord’s has proven tricky for batters, especially early in the innings. With more live grass than usual and cool, overcast conditions forecast, experts expect bowlers to dominate the early exchanges.
Kotak urged India’s top order to focus on playing long innings rather than flashy ones.
“We’ve spoken about being mentally tough, staying in your zone, and not chasing runs,” Kotak added. “This is not a surface where aggression alone will work,” he said. According to Kotak, if a batsman play silly shots, he will play long innings on the Lords wickets.
Jofra Archer Looms Large
While England reel from defeat, they are expected to inject fresh energy into their bowling lineup, possibly including Jofra Archer, who has recently returned to full fitness. A green Lord’s pitch could be the perfect platform for his comeback.
India’s batters, especially middle-order players, will have to counter England’s pace battery while resisting the temptation to force the scoring rate.
Strategy: Caution Before Counterattack
Kotak praised the team’s overall mindset in the series so far but warned against overconfidence.
“You may get a good ball e`arly on. So it’s not just about technique—it’s about temperament,” he said. “The batters will need to adapt quickly and show resilience.”
With bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj having the capability to fire on all cylinders, Kotak said India had the edge—only if the batters put up a solid first-innings total.
Lord’s Test: Key Watchpoints
Pitch conditions: Grass-heavy, with seam and swing likely
India’s top order: Needs to absorb pressure and build innings
Possible Archer return: England’s attack could get fiercer.
Final Word
Kotak’s message is clear: this is not a flat subcontinental track—it’s Lord’s with all its challenges. For Shubman Gill and company, the path to victory lies not in flamboyance, but in discipline, patience, and smart cricket.
India stand at the cusp of a historic series win, but the iconic ground demands respect—and calculated cricket.
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