For the third Test match in a row in this Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the game is evenly poised as it heads into moving day. India will start Day 3 trailing by 242 runs, having scored 145/3 by the end of the second day.

There is both good and bad news for the Indian team. Shubman Gill was dismissed early after England finally managed to execute a successful plan against him. On the other hand, KL Rahul continued with another calm and solid innings, reaching a well-made half-century without giving any chances. He will be key to India's hopes as they try to reduce the deficit.

Rahul's overnight partner Rishabh Pant, who has a badly bruised finger and was forced off the field on Day 1, is also batting. He finished the day on 19 not out. His positive intent and ability to keep the momentum going will be very important. While his defence has been strong, India will hope he doesn't play any risky or flashy shots too early.

Avoiding a collapse will be India’s first goal, but there are other important things they need to do to take control of the match. Here's a look at three things India must get right on Day 3.

Also Read -3 things England need to do right on Day 2 to dominate ENG vs IND 3rd Test at Lord's

1. KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant need to build a strong partnership

With India still 242 runs behind England, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant face a tough first session at Lord's on Day 3 of the third Test. England’s bowlers will try to take quick early wickets, but Rahul and Pant are India’s last recognised specialist batters. They need to stay at the crease and take India to a safer position before the all-rounders come in. A good partnership in the first session is very important — not just to reduce the gap, but also to shift the momentum in India’s favour. Rahul has already reached his half-century, while Pant is unbeaten on 19. If both of them score centuries by the end of Day 3, India will be in the driver’s seat.

2. Lower order needs to contribute runs

On Day 2, England reached a strong position after Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse scored quick fifties from the lower order, helping their team post a total of 387. It may not be a huge score, but on a slow Lord's pitch, it could be a match-winning one if India struggles in their first innings. 

So, if KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant get out early, the Indian all-rounders and lower-order batters must step up and contribute with the bat. Ravindra Jadeja has already played match-winning innings of 89 and 69* in Birmingham, but others like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar also need to play important roles. If the specialist batters get out, the lower order must bat for a long time and add as many runs as possible.

3. India must score well before the second new ball is taken

Before the 80-over mark, the ball becomes older and may offer less help to the fast bowlers. India should try to increase the scoring rate during this period. This will put pressure on England and stop them from using the second new ball with a big advantage.

As noted by ESPNcricinfo, India’s bowlers did very well with the second new ball at Edgbaston. This shows how important the new ball can be. Also, Lord’s is known for its good swing and medium bounce. In the recent WTC 2025 final, Pat Cummins took 6 wickets in the second innings, and Rabada took 5 wickets.

That’s why India must score well before England takes the new ball. If they don’t, they could face serious trouble once the second new ball is in play.