Lord’s has produced a mix of results in recent past with 7 of its last 15 Test matches ending in draws. The home side can ill-afford a stale mate, considering that lost the opening Test by an innings and 12 runs.
Any unfavourable outing would not only mean that England will lose their first home series in 4 years, but they will also be forced to relinquish their Test supremacy.
Lloyd, who also made his Test debut at the same venue in 1974 against India, believes that a lot will depend on the choice of wicket England Captain Andrew Strauss opts for his bowlers in a bid to pick 20 Proteas wickets.
The former left-handed batsman said that despite a high number of draws, the wicket at Lord’s has consistently produced positive results in the past - the home side hasn’t lost a Test at the ‘home of cricket’ since their Ashes defeat in 2005.
“The big poser is what sort of pitch England would prefer in a must-win game? People think of draws at Lord’s but there have been positive results in recent years,” the former batsman said.
The 65-year-old wants the English side to get back to their trusted formula of three paceman, which is backed by the spin of Graeme Swann. England dropped Swann in preference of an all out pace attack, including Steven Finn after the spinner looked out of sorts at the Oval.
However, the move fired-back as Finn failed to make an impression at Headingley and proved to be the most expensive bowler, conceding 173 runs for 2 wickets at a shocking average of 86.50
“I expect England to go back to their familiar three seamers and Graeme Swann in the final Test, with Steven Finn the man left out. Finn has been the fourth seamer here and hasn’t out bowled anybody to force his way into the Lord’s side,” the former Lancashire captain concluded.
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