England vs India 3rd Test: Mike Atherton Calls for Urgent Overhaul of England Playing XI After Humbling Defeat

Former England captain Mike Atherton was unhappy with England’s performance in the second Test and has called for key changes in the bowling line-up to challenge India in the upcoming Lord’s Test.

Stokes Faces Toughest Test Yet, Says Atherton

Writing in his Times column, Atherton described the defeat as “punishing” and noted that Ben Stokes now faces his toughest challenge yet as England captain. He added that the Lord’s Test will be a major test of Stokes’ leadership and resilience.

“In the three years that Ben Stokes has captained England, it is hard to think that he has faced a sterner challenge than over the next two days, as he contemplates how to lift his players for the third Test at Lord’s. It will be a massive test of his leadership and his own mental and physical resilience,” Atherton wrote in The Times.

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Atherton Backs Archer and Atkinson Return

Atherton suggested changes to the bowling attack, recommending that Gus Atkinson and Jofra Archer replace Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse to strengthen England’s pace options. However, he advised keeping the batting order unchanged, calling it the best available line-up for the hosts.

“I’d keep faith with the batting and freshen up the seam attack, bringing in [Jofra] Archer and [Gus] Atkinson for Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse.”

This suggestion echoes what England head coach Brendon McCullum hinted after the loss. He acknowledged that India outclassed England with some high-quality batting and said he expects a more pace-friendly and bouncy pitch at Lord’s — unlike the flat conditions at Edgbaston. Such conditions could pave the way for Archer and Atkinson to lead the attack.

Gus Atkinson, in particular, has an excellent record at Lord’s, having picked up 19 wickets at an average of 10.94 in two Tests at the venue.

England’s squad for the third Test against India

Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Jofra Archer, Sam Cook, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson.

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