Media365
Former India wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik and former England pace ace Stuart Broad shared contrasting views on the potential outcome of the third Test at Lord’s, with all results still in play. As time ticks away, frequent interruptions—be it due to ball changes or medical concerns—have done little to aid either side. At the end of the second session on Day 3, India trailed by 71 runs with five wickets in hand, while England continued to hunt for crucial breakthroughs.With fewer than seven sessions remaining, Karthik doesn’t believe a draw is the only likely outcome. He sees a result as very much possible, especially given England’s aggressive mindset and willingness to push for a win even in tightscenarios.“I would say it is 50/50, and I don’t think a draw is an option when England play. If there is a chance to pull off a result, England will go for it,” Karthik said on Sky Sports.Broad, however, offered a different take. Having observed the changing behaviour of the Lord’s surface, the former England quick believes the pitch may not produce the kind of movement or drama needed for a decisive finish, making a draw the likeliest scenario.
“Draw is the favourite for me. For it to be a result, someone is going to have to have a five or six-wicket session or score 130 in a session, and it doesn’t feel like a pitch that is going to happen on,” Broad said.“Things aren’t happening too quickly on this wicket. If England leave themselves three sessions on the final day to take 10 wickets, that’s not going to happen, which is why I think the draw is in the game. But, England, so they will be looking for opportunities to win it,” he added.
