England has added fast bowler Gus Atkinson to their squad for the crucial third Test against India at Lord's, scheduled to begin on Thursday, July 10. This decision comes on the heels of a demoralizing 336-run defeat at Edgbaston, where India leveled the five-match series 1-1.

India's dominant performance at Edgbaston marked their first-ever Test win at the venue, breaking a 58-year jinx. Shubman Gill led the team with impressive scores of 269 in the first innings and 161 in the second. Akash Deep, stepping in for the rested Jasprit Bumrah, played a pivotal role by taking 10 wickets in the match, including a six-wicket haul in the final innings. Mohammed Siraj also contributed significantly with a total of 7 wickets.

The Edgbaston Test saw India amass 587 in their first innings, with significant contributions from Ravindra Jadeja (89) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (87). England responded with 407, thanks to Jamie Smith's 184 and Harry Brook's 158. However, India continued their dominance in the second innings, declaring at 427-6, setting England a daunting target of 608. Gill's impressive form continued as he became the first player in history to score 200 and 150 in the same Test match. England's batting lineup faltered in the face of India's formidable bowling attack, ultimately being bowled out for 271.

The inclusion of Gus Atkinson in the England squad aims to inject fresh energy and pace into their bowling attack. Atkinson is returning to the Test setup after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained in May during the series against Zimbabwe. He had missed the ODIs against the West Indies and the initial matches against India due to this injury.

The rest of the England squad remains unchanged from the second Test. Jofra Archer, who was included in the squad for the Edgbaston Test, is still awaiting his return to Test cricket, as England opted for an unchanged XI following their victory in the first Test at Headingley.

Looking ahead to the third Test at Lord's, England will be keen to capitalize on their home advantage and bounce back from the Edgbaston defeat. However, they will need to address their batting frailties and find a way to counter India's strong bowling attack. Nasser Hussain of Sky Sports noted that a rested Jasprit Bumrah would be a dangerous prospect at Lord's, adding pressure on England's batting order.

The series is now evenly poised at 1-1, with the remaining two Tests to be played at Old Trafford (July 23) and the Oval (July 31).