Surface Tension: Seeking Pitch Perfect

After two outright batting-friendly wickets, word is that the strip at Lord's may favour bowlers at least to begin with

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The last Test played at Lord's—the World Test Championship final between Australia and South Africa last month—could provide a sneak peek into the upcoming contest between India and England, scheduled to begin on Thursday.

Held last month, the match saw 28 wickets fall in the first couple of days after South Africa captain Temba Bavuma invited Australia to bat. However, as the match progressed, the surface became ideal for batting as the Proteas chased down a target of 282.

The script is unlikely to change for the India-England encounter with the strip expected to aid bowlers in the beginning before helping batters in the due course of time. With Jofra Archer back in the mix, it would only be ideal for the hosts to lay out a pitch with plenty of life in it. Their coach, Brendon McCullum, didn't shy away from accepting the fact and said the contest could be a cracker, especially if there is plenty of life in the pitch.