ENG vs IND 3rd Test: Varun Aaron Believes Nitish Reddy Might Not Start at Lord’s
The ENG vs IND 3rd Test at Lord’s, scheduled to begin on July 10, 2025, could witness significant changes in India’s playing XI. According to former India pacer Varun Aaron, Nitish Kumar Reddy might not make the cut for the third match of the series. The comment comes on the back of Reddy’s limited impact during India’s thumping 336-run win in the second Test at Birmingham, which helped the visitors level the five-match series 1-1. ENG vs IND 3rd Test
During an appearance on Star Sports’ ‘Follow the Blues’, Aaron assessed the team dynamics ahead of the Lord’s clash and explained why Reddy’s spot might be in jeopardy. ENG vs IND 3rd Test
🔍 Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Lack of Impact in 2nd Test
Nitish Kumar Reddy, who made his debut in the Birmingham Test, managed just 2 runs across two innings and failed to take a wicket in his six overs. With his limited contribution and the impressive form of Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, the need for an extra batting all-rounder appears unnecessary. ENG vs IND 3rd Test
“Every single bowler and batter has spent time in the middle, except Nitish Kumar Reddy. I think he might not be a starter at Lord’s,” Aaron remarked. ENG vs IND 3rd Test
Aaron hinted that India’s confidence heading into the third Test stems from a strong all-round showing in Birmingham, with little dependence on a sixth bowling option or an extra batter lower down the order.
🧠 Strategic Shift: Bowling-Heavy XI for Lord’s?
Varun Aaron also touched upon India’s bowling strategy, suggesting that the team may field four frontline pacers along with two spinners. ENG vs IND 3rd Test
“India might not need the extra batting now with Washi (Washington Sundar) and Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) batting really well,” he explained. ENG vs IND 3rd Test
Another key point from Aaron’s analysis was the possibility of Prasidh Krishna retaining his spot in the XI. Though the pacer took only one wicket in the second Test, his potential was praised by captain Shubman Gill, which Aaron believes could be a sign of confidence from the leadership group. ENG vs IND 3rd Test
“Gill praising Prasidh could be a small hint. They could go with a four-fast-bowling attack and two really good spinners to back it up,” Aaron suggested.
🔄 Bumrah’s Return Could Shake Things Up
With Jasprit Bumrah expected to return to the lineup after being rested, a selection headache looms. If India do opt for three seamers, then either Prasidh Krishna or another pacer may have to make way. However, in the event of a four-pacer strategy, both Bumrah and Prasidh could feature together. ENG vs IND 3rd Test
🗣️ Aaron on the Shubman Gill Era
Aaron also weighed in on the leadership transition within the team. India’s comprehensive win in Birmingham marked a strong moment for Shubman Gill as captain. Aaron hinted that this might be the beginning of a new era for Indian cricket. ENG vs IND 3rd Test
“This win is just the start of Shubman Gill’s captaincy era,” Aaron said, indicating that the team is adapting well under the young skipper’s guidance.
🏟️ What to Expect at Lord’s – ENG vs IND 3rd Test
The pitch at Lord’s is known to favor seamers early on, which may reinforce India’s inclination to go with a pace-heavy attack. With Jadeja and Washington Sundar providing spin and lower-order stability, India could look to build on their Birmingham performance without Nitish Reddy. ENG vs IND 3rd Test
The England team, meanwhile, will aim to bounce back, especially after being outplayed in all departments in the second Test. The third Test promises to be a crucial battle that could tilt the series momentum decisively.
📌 Possible India XI for Lord’s – 3rd Test (Speculated)
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Rohit Sharma (C)
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Yashasvi Jaiswal
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Shubman Gill
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Virat Kohli
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Rishabh Pant (WK)
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Ravindra Jadeja
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Washington Sundar
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Jasprit Bumrah
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Mohammed Siraj
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Prasidh Krishna / Akash Deep
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Kuldeep Yadav
📈 Series Status: ENG vs IND 2025
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1st Test: England won
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2nd Test: India won by 336 runs
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3rd Test: Scheduled from July 10 at Lord’s, London
With both teams level at 1-1, the upcoming Test at Lord’s could be the turning point of the series.
🔚 Conclusion
As India prepares for the ENG vs IND 3rd Test, all eyes will be on team selection. While Nitish Kumar Reddy’s debut was forgettable, the competition for spots remains fierce. Varun Aaron’s comments highlight the evolving strategies under Shubman Gill, and the focus on a bowling-dominant approach could define India’s campaign in England. ENG vs IND 3rd Test
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