Broad Sounds Alarm: Ex-England Pacer Warns of "Lethal" Indian Bowling Threat Ahead of Lord's Test

Monday - 07/07/2025 03:00

India secured a massive win against England, leveling the series 1-1. The third Test shifts to Lord's. Stuart Broad highlights India's potent bowling attack, especially with Jasprit Bumrah's return. Shubman Gill's team is confident after their Edgbaston triumph. England focuses on strengthening their pace options. All eyes are on how England will counter India's revitalized pace attack.

Following India's decisive 336-run victory over England at Edgbaston, the five-Test series is now level at 1-1. As the teams prepare for the third Test at Lord's, which begins on July 10, discussions are focused on team compositions and the challenge of facing what Stuart Broad has called a "dangerous" Indian bowling attack.

Ben Stokes and Jamie Smith discuss strategy during a break in play.

England captain Ben Stokes in talks with wicketkeeper Jamie Smith in Birmingham. (Getty Images)

"This Indian bowling attack would worry me if I was in that England batting lineup," Broad stated during a Sky Sports panel discussion after India’s victory. "The ball just nips down that slope at Lord’s. Akash Deep brings the stumps into play, and if it swings, Bumrah will be lethal with the late movement.”

Shubman Gill's youthful Indian team, buoyed by their first Test win at Edgbaston, seems settled and confident. Gill led the team with a total of 430 runs (269 and 161), while Akash Deep made a significant contribution by taking 10 wickets in Jasprit Bumrah's absence.

With Bumrah expected to return, former England captain Mark Butcher believes that India is unlikely to make significant changes to their lineup. "Bumrah will come back, and the rest will stay the same," Butcher predicted.

Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara concurred, adding, "[Mohammed] Siraj and Akash Deep will play. Prasidh Krishna might make way for Bumrah. And they’ll probably retain Washington Sundar at No. 8 for the balance he offers.”

England is concentrating on revitalizing their struggling pace attack. "Chris Woakes hasn’t had great success and was unlucky, but his Lord’s record is outstanding," Broad observed. He also cautioned against rushing Jofra Archer or Gus Atkinson into the team without ensuring they are match fit.

"England play well at Lord’s," Broad noted, "but this Indian attack — especially with Bumrah back — could pose a serious threat.”

As the third Test approaches, it is India's reinvigorated pace attack, along with their record-breaking captain, that is putting England on alert.