England head coach McCullum is getting a special pitch made in Lord's

England's team suffered a crushing defeat in the second match of the five-Test series against India. India has leveled the series 1-1 with a historic victory by 336 runs at Edgbaston. The English team is furious about their defeat at Edgbaston. They are now preparing to make a new move to avenge the loss to India, making two team changes. Additionally, head coach Brendon McCullum has asked the chief groundskeeper to prepare a special pitch for the third Test at Lord's, starting July 10.

Gus Atkinson is expected to replace someone in the playing XI along with fast bowler Joffra Archer in the third Test against India. Archer is returning to Test cricket after a long injury layoff, with his last match in February 2021. Atkinson could not play in Edgbaston due to a hamstring issue, but his return is expected to strengthen the pace attack.

McCullum has requested MCC head groundsman Karl McDermott to prepare a pitch with more pace, bounce, and swing. He also referenced the World Test Championship final in 2025, where Pat Cummins and Kagiso Rabada caused chaos with swing. McCullum told ESPNcricinfo that this would be a blockbuster match, especially if the pitch favors the pacers.

England has used flat pitches in both matches so far, reflecting their badball style. They won the Leeds Test by five wickets but lost by 336 runs at Edgbaston. McCullum said Archer will definitely play, noting that their pacers performed well in both Tests, and mentioned that Atkinson's recovery from injury needs to be monitored.