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Time of India
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
IND vs ENG 3rd Test: Why the Lord's slope is a silent threat for batters and a nightmare for wicketkeepers
The Lord's pitch for the third Test match between India and England. (TOI) Over the years, the treacherous Lord's slope has not only challenged the batters but has also been a nightmare for the wicketkeepers. on Tuesday reported why the eight-foot slope running down from the Pavilion End to the Nursery End creates so much difficulty for players at this iconic venue. Where is this slope located at Lord's? The ground's infamous slope runs diagonally down from the Pavilion End, from deep extra cover to long leg. Exclusive first look of green Lord's pitch: Intense chat of Gautam Gambhir with coaching staff Why does the slope create problems? At first glance, the Lord's slope might not appear significant, but it has a notable impact. When batting from the Pavilion End, right-handers often face more movement away due to the slope, while deliveries from the Nursery End tend to jag back in sharply. Bowlers encounter similar challenges, but for batters, making a few subtle adjustments can go a long way in handling these unique conditions. Experienced batters often modify their stance slightly depending on the end they're facing to better handle the contrasting movement. The slope does present scoring opportunities, but maintaining a compact, disciplined technique is key to building longer, more effective innings. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak believes handling the slope largely comes down to mindset, as many players treat it as just another form of natural variation. EXCLUSIVE: Kevin Pietersen's message to India cricket team ahead of Lord's Test vs England What did the Indian batting coach say? India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak told reporters: "It depends on the mindset. I have seen some players saying that they don't understand the slope. And some players feel that there are natural variations. Obviously, because of the slope, there will be some variations. But after hitting the seam, there are some variations. So, we cannot keep it in mind. But again, we talk about adapting to the conditions that come into play. " Poll Do you think the slope at Lord's affects the outcome of matches? Yes, significantly Yes, but only slightly No, it has no effect Unsure Why is it a nightmare for the keepers? The slope at Lord's amplifies the ball's movement, often unsettling wicketkeepers' balance. To adjust, keepers typically take an additional step to their right when standing at the Nursery End, and a step to their left when positioned at the Pavilion End. This subtle shift helps them stay aligned and better react to the slope-induced deviation. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
IND vs ENG Live Score, 3rd Test Day 1: Shubman Gill vs Jofra Archer at Lord's green top, who will blink first?
12:42 (IST) Jul 10 Ahead of the Lord's Test, India's support staff assessed the green-tinged pitch, with Jasprit Bumrah likening it to subcontinental surfaces. The iconic venue's slope presents unique challenges, especially for those who will be batting at this iconic cricket ground for the first-time. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak emphasized minor adjustments and a strong mindset to counter natural variations. How India's batters adapt could shape the direction of the series. Our senior cricket reporter is in England covering the five-match Test series. Click here to follow the action through Sahil's .
India Today
08-07-2025
- Sport
- India Today
Indian batting coach unfazed by green Lord's pitch, acknowledges Jofra Archer's threat
India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak isn't too worried about any kind of pitch England prepare for the third Test at Lord's. With the series level 1-1, England has hinted at preparing a lot more challenging surface for Indian batters after the run fest in the first two matches. However, India are unfazed by any type of wicket they're served for the third match of the series, revealed Sitanshu to the press ahead of the third Test set to begin on July 10 at Lord's, the Indian batting coach shared his thoughts after the first look at the pitch. Kotak revealed that the surface has a lot more grass on it than the first two Test matches, but it remains to be seen how much of it will be left by the curators for the match after the final cutting. He stated that the batters will have to spend a lot more time in the middle and get themselves accustomed to the conditions before playing extravagant shots."I think, as you said, the pitch does seem to have a bit more grass on it — as we've seen in the last two matches. But tomorrow, when they do the final cut — the one that happens a day before the match — only after that can we really say. And generally, the normal Lord's pitch in Tests tends to have comparatively low scores in the first and second innings. So we can expect that there might be a bit more help for the bowlers. It could be challenging for the batsmen. But I believe it's all about the mindset. Spending time on the wicket is the best friend you can have. The more time you spend out there, the more you'll adjust to the pitch. So that's probably the best approach,' said Kotak in the pre-match press conference. Furthermore, the Indian batting coach admitted the threat of Jofra Archer, who's likely to return for the third Test and said that England are within their right to prepare any kind of wicket they want.'It will be a challenge with Jofra coming in. There might be a couple of bowling changes in the England team which we don't know about. But wicket also will be a little more challenging, it seems, and after the last two games, if as a host England think that they want to give a little bit more challenging wicket, it's fair enough. And it will be a challenge for anyone on any wicket. So I'm not really thinking that it will be very challenging. You bat well, it's fine, if you don't bet well, any wicket can be challenging,' he recently made a comeback to the Test team after four years, having last played against India in 2021. He recently scalped 1/32 in 18 overs on his red-ball comeback for Sussex and also scored 31 (34). The 30-year-old has played two Test matches against India and picked four wickets at an average of questions being raised on England's inexperienced bowling attack, the management will be desperate to play Archer at Lord's. They have already added Gus Atkinson to the squad to reinforce their fast bowling. It remains to be seen if including some fresh legs in the playing XI will have any impact on England bowling, which has been taken apart by India so far in the series.- EndsMust Watch
France 24
08-07-2025
- Sport
- France 24
India expect England's Archer to pose 'challenge'
The 30-year-old is poised to end four years of injury-induced exile in the third Test starting Thursday, after India levelled the five-match series at 1-1 after thrashing England by 336 runs at Edgbaston. England could refresh their pace attack at Lord's by recalling both Archer and Gus Atkinson, with Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue possibly making way. Archer burst onto the international scene in 2019 but played the last of his 13 Tests in February 2021 and this season has bowled just 18 first-class overs for county side Sussex. "It will be a challenge, Jofra coming in," India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak told reporters. "There might be a couple of bowling changes in the England team, but that we don't know." England captain Ben Stokes said the pitch at Edgbaston was more of a sub-continental than typically English surface, with the hosts making it clear they would like the rest of the series played on pitches with more pace and bounce. Two days out from the game, a green pitch at Lord's offered the promise of assistance for pacemen on both sides, with India recalling Jasprit Bumrah after resting him in Birmingham. "The wicket also will be a little more challenging, it seems," said Kotak. "And after the last two games, if as a host, England think that they want a little bit more challenging wicket, it is fair enough... "You bat well, it is fine. If you don't bat well, any wicket can be challenging. "It looks as if there's a little green in the wicket... But, tomorrow (Wednesday), when they will do the final cut (of the pitch), after that we can say." India's batsmen have posted seven hundreds so far this series, with captain Shubman Gill already having three to his credit after scoring 269 and 161 at Edgbaston.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
IND vs ENG 3rd Test: India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak opens up on Lord's pitch - 'Can expect help for bowlers'
Team India at Lord's (AP Photo) in London: As India head into the third Test at Lord's riding high on confidence after their historic win at Edgbaston, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has weighed in on the conditions and the mindset needed for success in London. Speaking ahead of the match, Kotak offered insight into the nature of the Lord's surface. 'Pitch is very green. We will get an idea after they cut the grass tomorrow. Can expect help for bowlers… mindset will be key for the batters,' he told reporters on Tuesday. India thrashed England by 336 runs in the second Test at Birmingham, claiming their first-ever Test victory at Edgbaston and levelling the five-match series 1-1. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Despite the green top expected at Lord's, Kotak believes his batters are well-equipped to adapt. 'Indian batters are very skilled, without doing anything extra, they are scoring close to four,' he said. Kotak refused to take personal credit for the team's recent batting success: 'I would not like to take credit for batters scoring runs, it is them. This wicket will be challenging, but not thinking too much about it.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Canadian Residents Aged 40-80 Could Claim This Benefit yourseniorsaving Undo Poll Do you think Sitanshu Kotak's coaching has impacted the team's performance? Absolutely To some extent Not really It's the players' skill Reflecting on conditions so far in the series, he dismissed comparisons to subcontinent pitches. 'Our bowlers used well. The ball moved when our bowlers bowled. I don't think this was subcontinent-type pitches," he added. On the standout performance of Shubman Gill, who led from the front with scores of 269 and 161 in the previous Test, Kotak praised both his mindset and technique, noting, 'Nothing has changed because of captaincy. Mindset has been good – wants to spend time, he has the skill to put loose balls away. There have been technical changes which he has done.' With momentum firmly on their side, India will look to carry their dominant form into Lord's, where both the pitch and the opposition are expected to test their resolve. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
