‘Prepared for the Challenge’: India Batting Coach on Green Lord’s Track, Archer Factor

India Unfazed by Green Lord’s Pitch, But Ready for Archer Test.

With the Test series locked at 1-1, India are not losing sleep over the greener-than-usual pitch being prepared at Lord’s for the third Test starting July 10. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said the team is mentally prepared for whatever England throws at them—even if that includes the return of pace spearhead Jofra Archer.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Kotak acknowledged that the pitch looked greener than what was seen in the first two Tests but said it’s too early to judge its nature before the final cut.

“The pitch seems to have more grass, but we’ll know better after the final cut. Traditionally, Lord’s tends to produce low scores in the early innings, and it might offer a bit more help to the bowlers. But it’s all about mindset. The more time you spend at the crease, the better you’ll adjust,” Kotak explained.

While not overly concerned by the surface, Kotak did admit that Archer’s potential inclusion could pose a real challenge for India’s batting line-up.

“If Jofra plays, it’ll be a challenge. England are within their rights to prepare a more difficult wicket, especially after the kind of runs we’ve scored in the last two games. But any wicket becomes tough if you don’t bat well. If you do, it doesn’t matter what pitch you’re playing on,” he said.

Archer, who returned to red-ball cricket recently after a lengthy injury layoff, is being strongly considered for selection. He impressed in his comeback for Sussex, returning figures of 1/32 in 18 overs and scoring a quick 31 with the bat. The 30-year-old last played a Test in 2021—also against India.

With England’s bowling under scrutiny after two high-scoring Tests, the management is expected to shake things up. Gus Atkinson has already been added to the squad to bolster their fast-bowling reserves, and Archer’s inclusion could offer the hosts some much-needed bite.

India, however, seem unbothered. With form, momentum, and a balanced XI, they are backing skill and temperament over surface speculation.