There is no bigger stage in the world of cricket for a winner-take-all match than the majestic Lord’s. On Sunday, the ‘Home of Cricket’ is set to witness the culmination of the three-match one-day international (ODI) series between England and India in the third and decisive match.
The hosts and the visitors have had the measure of each other in the preceding two matches; however, the three-match encounter stands at an enthralling 1-1, and the final match could hardly be more tightly poised.

A couple of days back, the situation was entirely different. India was on course to complete a series win at that point. However, the tourists are now set to face England in their most pivotal match of the campaign in Sophia Gardens.

England vs India:

For a while, during the second ODI in Cardiff, everything was going India’s way. Anchored by exquisite half-centuries from Virat Kohli (65 off 66) and Shreyas Iyer (66 off 71), India were comfortable at 178/3 and poised to post a huge total to win the series. But it was not to be.

A fearful display of fast bowling from England’s bowlers saw the Indian innings collapse like a house of cards. Jofra Archer, Saqib Mahood, and Gus Atkinson were too hot to handle for the Indian middle and lower orders as they were bundled out for a mere 233. England’s fearful pace attack has given a warning to India ahead of the third and decisive ODI at Lord’s.

Chasing down 234, England looked all set to make a hash of it, but Root stood up to the pressure once again and notched up a masterly 99 off 133 balls. He batted with the poise and panache of a Test match opener as he stitched together crucial partnerships with Brook, Curran, Jacks, and Atkinson to take England to victory with nearly five and a half overs to go. Losing six wickets in the process was not ideal for England as they crossed the finish line with a thumping score.

The Lord’s Pitch

All eyes will turn towards the unique edifice known as Lord’s. The pitch in this iconic venue has been under scrutiny, and it is leaning towards the bowlers. There should be good bounce and carry on Sunday, but the famous Lord’s slope will induce late movement in the pitch. As the pendulum swings towards fast bowlers, a tactical battle is expected to unfold on the pitches as the batsmen deal with the long straight boundaries.

The pitch has been a nightmare for the poor batsmen, who have had to readjust their stance in the unusual crease constantly. And with moisture-laden air in the morning, the toss could prove vital to the proceedings, with the team winning the toss very likely to decide to bowl first and utilize their fast pack.

ENG vs IND: Head-to-Head ODI History

Players to Watch

Joe Root
Root walks out to bat in the decider in a rich vein of form. The England and Exeter batsman has not been dismissed in either of his past three ODI innings, dating back to the previous assignment against Sri Lanka. Scoring a sensational 175 in two innings in this series, he is set to heap further misery upon the tour.

jasprit bumrah
If at all India needs to script a turnaround in this three-match encounter, Jasprit Bumrah needs to step up and dismantle the top order. The quickie has just one wicket to his name in either of the first two matches, but his figures with the ball do not tell the whole story. The Indian pace spearhead has kept the English batters tied up with his accurate bowling. To seize the opportunity in the upcoming match at a difficult Lord’s, the pacer needs to have a special day.

Projected Lineups

England (ENG):
Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood.

India (IND):
Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Gurnoor Brar, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna.

History heavily favors India with 62 wins to England’s 45 over their 52-year ODI rivalry, but momentum is a fickle friend. With the Lord’s pitch expected to assist the bowling sides early on, the team bowling first holds a massive statistical and psychological edge.

If England’s pace battery can replicate their Cardiff heroics under the London skies, the Three Lions could well complete a famous comeback. But dismiss a wounded Indian side at your own peril. A classic waits.