But here’s the catch: winning in fantasy cricket isn’t just about picking star players. It’s about reading the pitch, understanding form and role, and selecting the right captain and those surprise dark horses who can silently fetch you big points.
In this blog, we’ll take you through the best captain picks, those underrated game-changers, and how to use the Lord’s pitch report to craft a fantasy team that works.
???? Don’t forget to check out the official match preview on Vision11:
India vs England 3rd Test 2025 – Vision11 Match Prediction
????️ First, Understand the Pitch at Lord’s
Before we talk about player picks, let’s quickly understand how the Lord’s pitch behaves.
- The pitch at Lord’s has a natural slope, making swing bowling deadly—especially in the first two days.
- Pacers dominate early, especially if it’s cloudy.
- Batting gets better as the pitch settles, mostly from Day 2 onward.
- Spin could play a part on Days 4 and 5 if the match goes long.
So, how does this help you?
Well, if you use this pitch report wisely, you can pick bowlers who’ll strike early and batters who’ll build long innings when conditions improve.
???? Best Captain Picks for Vision11
A good captain can double your points, so choosing one based on form + pitch conditions is key.
✅ 1. Mohammed Siraj (India – Fast Bowler)
- Known for his aggression and swing bowling, Siraj could be a match-winner at Lord’s.
- He’s likely to bowl long spells and pick wickets in the first innings.
- Perfect for overcast conditions.
✅ 2. Joe Root (England – Batter)
- Arguably England’s most consistent Test batter.
- Handles pace and swing well; knows how to build an innings.
- Has an excellent record at Lord’s.
✅ 3. Ben Stokes (England – All-Rounder)
- Brings value with both bat and ball.
- Can turn games around single-handedly.
- Often rises to the occasion in big matches.
✅ 4. Ravindra Jadeja (India – All-Rounder)
- Offers balance. Even if the pitch favors pacers, Jadeja can still contribute with the bat and field.
- If the pitch wears out, he’ll be key with the ball in the final innings.
????️ Dark Horse Picks: The Unsung Heroes
These players may not be the most obvious choices, but they can earn you points when no one expects it.
???? 1. Zak Crawley (England – Batter)
- Aggressive at the top of the order.
- If he settles in early, he can score quick runs and set the tone.
???? 2. Jaydev Unadkat (India – Fast Bowler)
- If picked, Unadkat's left-arm angle could bring variety to India’s attack.
- Not a popular pick, which means if he performs, you gain an edge.
???? 3. Ollie Robinson (England – Bowler)
- Doesn’t get as much attention as Anderson or Woakes, but he’s quietly effective.
- Has a good record at home and can move the ball off the seam.
???? 4. Rishabh Pant (India – Wicketkeeper-Batter)
- Always a wild card. Might come in during tricky situations and play a counter-attacking innings.
- Can also earn points through catches behind the stumps.
???? Sample Fantasy XI Using Captain & Dark Horse Tips
Here’s a balanced squad to get you started:
- Batters: Root (VC), Crawley, Gill, Jaiswal
- All-Rounders: Stokes (C), Jadeja
- Bowlers: Siraj, Robinson, Woakes
- Wicketkeeper: Pant
- Wildcard Pick: Unadkat or Ashwin (based on playing XI)
Always tweak your final XI after toss and team announcements!
???? How Vision11 Helps You Choose Better
Want an edge in fantasy cricket? Vision11 offers a complete match prediction blog that covers:
- Toss impact
- Updated pitch reports
- Playing XI predictions
- Player performance analysis
- Fantasy tips and tricks
You can read the full guide here:
India vs England 3rd Test – Vision11 Prediction
???? Bonus Tips to Maximize Your Fantasy Winnings
- Watch the weather forecast – Overcast skies = advantage bowlers.
- Balance your team – Don’t load your team with just batters or bowlers.
- Form + Pitch Fit > Reputation – Pick players who suit Lord’s conditions, not just big names.
- Use differential players – Dark horses help you stand out in crowded fantasy contests.
- Check last-minute updates – Team news just before the match can be a game-changer.
???? Final Thoughts
The 3rd Test at Lord’s isn’t just a match—it’s a fantasy cricket opportunity waiting to be grabbed. With the pitch at Lord’s offering early help to bowlers and runs to smart batters, this is your chance to use strategy over guesswork.
With smart captain picks and dark horses in your Vision11 fantasy team, you’re not just playing—you’re playing to win.