On a high-stakes fifth day, India failed to conquer the Lord’s in England as the third Test of the five-match Test series ended with celebration for England. The in-form opener, KL Rahul, began the Day 5 cautiously as India were reduced to 58/4 at stumps for Day 4. However, the England pacers extended the momentum they were carrying from the previous day, to gain the edge over India, winning the match by 22 Runs.
During the previous evening, KL Rahul batted fiercely and read the pitch well, scoring 33 off 47 with six boundaries, reinforcing the message that India is alive in the game. He added six runs before giving his wicket to Ben Stokes, who appealed for leg-before wicket, and the first session started with disappointment for India. After a few overs into the game, Jofra Archer bowled Rishabh Pant, walking back to the pavilion, adding 9 runs to the team’s total. Despite the turning point coming unexpectedly very soon, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy kept hopes alive, but Reddy also left the crease just before lunch.
In the last session of Day 4, as soon as Akash Deep lost his wicket after his entry as a night watchman, the clouds of uncertainty loomed around as the match could go in either direction. In a smart defend, England makes a thrililng comeback after losing the second Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
Amid intense fights between India and England players for allegedly wasting time, it is a moment to rejoice and take a sigh of relief for England. The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 stands at 2-1, offering more power-packed matches in the remainder of the series. The psychological and home advantage comes in favour of England as a resilient team fought hard to be back in the match. However, the Lord’s Test saw more action apart from scoring opportunities and crucial breakthroughs.
The Indian pacer, Mohammed Siraj, who scalped four batters in the match, has been fined 15% of his fees for the match as his gesture to send off England opener Ben Duckett also cost him one demerit point. This penalty is part of the consequence for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct, which occurred during the fourth day of the Third Test. In this match, the bold Shubman Gill was also seen, who targeted Zak Crawley as he called the physio over a delivery striking his gloves.
What seemed to work for India in the third Test match, despite losing the Toss, is a mix of experienced and young talents. Shubman Gill’s playing XI features KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj from Virat Kohli’s team at Lord’s in 2021. Taking a glance at the scoreboard, all these players had their distinct roles to play, while newcomers, including a stunning offspinner Washington Sundar, graced the eventful Test with his four-wicket haul despite the pitch inviting pacers to harness the pacer-friendly conditions at Lord’s. Indian speedster Bumrah turned the pitch to his advantage, taking a five-wicket haul in the first innings and still shying away from celebration. It was clear from the first day that winning at the Lord’s would matter for both teams.
England last defeated Sri Lanka at Lord’s in 2024, winning the match by 190 runs. With the win in the Lord’s Test match against India, England holds its third straight victory here. On the other hand, India last played at Lord’s in August 2021 under Virat Kohli’s leadership and thrashed the hosts (England) by a memorable 151-run victory. In that match, KL Rahul’s decisive 129 runs set the tone for India to lead in the match, but the bowling-friendly surface offered a test of skill, time and patience for both sides. At last, England surrendered in the second innings with 120 to hold on to during an over 250-run chase. After four years, one thing that is common between both historical victories is KL Rahul’s tactical response to English bowlers. Ben Stokes-led England comes back to the frontfoot with star pacer Jofra Archer joining in for the right reason.
The fourth Test match between England and India commences on July 23 at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester. This match will conclude by July 27, leading to the last clash to be played from July 31- August 4 at Kennington Oval, London.
