Series set up fabulously for last two games, says former England player David Lloyd

India thumped England by 203 runs in the third Test match at Trent Bridge on Wednesday, August 22, to remain alive in the five-match series. The hosts ended Day 4 at 311 for 9, requiring another 210 runs to win the match while the visitors needed just one wicket. India understandably finished their job which was easier and will head to Southampton with a hope of levelling the series.

India’s strong comeback at Nottingham after their debacle at Lord’s impressed many, including former English cricketers. One of them, David Lloyd, was particularly pleased with Indian bowlers who played a key role in winning the game. A number of Indian batters also hit forms in this game, helping the team’s cause.

Lloyd, popularly called “Bumble”, said the hosts perhaps expected more from the pitch after the assistance their bowlers received in the first two Tests.

“India were there for the picking after the first two games and there were cloudy conditions on the first morning. England probably expected more from the pitch – it was easy-paced whereas in the previous two Tests Anderson and company found things absolutely perfect for swing bowling,” the 71-year-old told Sky Sports.

Indian seamers bowled excellently

“I thought India’s seamers were excellent in this game; they were aggressive, and looked stronger. It sets the series up fabulously for the last two games. You’d think about impetus and confidence going into that game.”

“There are eight days between this fixture and the next one – also time for England to regroup and they might also be thinking about a replacement for Jonny Bairstow,” he added. Bairstow, who has kept the wickets for England in this series so far, fractured his finger at Trent Bridge while keeping in the second innings.

England had a poor batting display in the Test as they saw one of their worst collapses in the first innings, losing all 10 wickets in one session after a decent opening partnership. That gave India all the time in the world to build on their lead and set a daunting target of 521 for England to clinch the series. It was not to be and the series scoreline at 2-1 now is poised for a great last half.

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