The third Test match between India and England at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London was a rollercoaster of emotions that kept fans glued to their seats from July 10 to July 14, 2025. With the series tied at 1-1 after England’s win at Headingley and India’s dominant reply at Edgbaston, this match was billed as a blockbuster, and it lived up to every bit of the hype. In a heart-pounding finish, England clinched a dramatic 22-run victory, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Day 1: England’s Steady Start and India’s Fightback
The match began with England captain Ben Stokes winning the toss and choosing to bat first on a pitch with a bit of grass, promising pace and bounce. England’s approach was surprisingly cautious, moving away from their usual aggressive “Bazball” style. Joe Root, the backbone of their batting, played a patient knock, ending the day unbeaten on 99, while England reached 251/4 in 83 overs. Ollie Pope and Ben Stokes supported Root, but India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, kept things tight. Young Nitish Reddy struck early, dismissing Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, giving India hope. However, a dropped catch of Ollie Pope by captain Shubman Gill proved costly, as England ended the day in a strong position.
Day 2: Bumrah’s Brilliance and India’s Response
Day 2 saw Jasprit Bumrah steal the show. The Indian pace spearhead bowled with fire, picking up his 15th five-wicket haul in Tests (5/74), earning a well-deserved spot on the Lord’s Honours Board. England’s lower order, led by Jamie Smith (51) and Brydon Carse (56), fought back, adding crucial runs to reach 387 all out. India’s reply started with a bang as Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed three boundaries in the first over, but Jofra Archer, returning to Test cricket after four years, dismissed him for 13 with a fiery delivery. KL Rahul (53*) and Karun Nair (40) steadied the ship, taking India to 145/3 at stumps, trailing by 242 runs. A ball change controversy sparked some tension, with Shubman Gill arguing with the umpires, adding spice to the day.
Day 3: Rahul’s Ton and a Level Score
The third day was a battle of attrition. KL Rahul played a masterful innings, scoring his second century at Lord’s (100 off 177 balls), becoming only the second Indian after Dilip Vengsarkar to achieve this feat. Rishabh Pant, despite a finger injury, played a fearless 74, hooking a six off Stokes to bring up his fifty. Their 141-run partnership gave India control, but Pant’s run-out before lunch shifted momentum. Ravindra Jadeja (72) and Nitish Reddy (30) kept India in the fight, and Washington Sundar’s gritty 21 helped India match England’s first-innings total of 387. England began their second innings at 2/0, with the match perfectly poised.
Day 4: England’s Collapse and India’s Chase
England’s second innings saw them collapse from 154/4 to 192 all out, thanks to Washington Sundar’s brilliant 4/22. Joe Root (40) and Stokes (15) tried to build a lead, but India’s bowlers struck at key moments. India needed 193 to win, a tricky target on a Lord’s pitch showing uneven bounce. However, England’s bowlers, led by Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse, roared back. Archer dismissed Jaiswal for a duck, while Carse trapped Nair and Gill lbw. Stokes bowled a fiery spell, removing Akash Deep, leaving India at 58/4 at stumps, needing 135 more runs with KL Rahul (33*) still at the crease.
Day 5: Jadeja’s Heroics Fall Short
The final day was pure drama. India began with hope, anchored by KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja. Stokes, bowling with a never-say-die spirit, delivered a marathon 9.2-over spell, dismissing Rahul for 44 via a successful lbw review. Jadeja, unbeaten on 61, played a warrior’s knock, guiding the tail and keeping India’s hopes alive. He and Nitish Reddy added 30 crucial runs, but Chris Woakes turned the game by dismissing Reddy. As India inched closer, needing just 23 runs with one wicket left, Shoaib Bashir, despite a broken finger, bowled a magical delivery to clean up Mohammed Siraj in the 75th over. India finished at 170, falling short by 22 runs. Lord’s erupted as England celebrated a hard-fought win, with Stokes (3/48) and Archer (3/55) leading the charge.
Key Moments and Performances
- Ben Stokes’ Leadership: Stokes was the heart of England’s victory, bowling tirelessly and inspiring his team. His 19.2-over spell on Day 5 was a captain’s performance for the ages.
- Jadeja’s Grit: Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten 61 was a masterclass in resilience, though it wasn’t enough to take India over the line.
- Bumrah’s Fire: Jasprit Bumrah’s five-wicket haul in England’s first innings showed why he’s one of the world’s best bowlers.
- Jofra Archer’s Comeback: Archer’s pace and wicket-taking ability, especially dismissing Jaiswal early, set the tone for England’s bowling.
- KL Rahul’s Class: Rahul’s century and calm batting kept India in the hunt, proving his value on tough overseas pitches.
- Ball Change Drama: India’s frustration with frequent ball changes added tension, with Shubman Gill’s fiery exchange with England openers on Day 3 showing the team’s passion.
What’s Next?
This thrilling loss leaves India trailing 2-1 in the series, with two Tests remaining at Old Trafford (July 23–27) and The Oval (July 31–August 4). Shubman Gill Stuart Broad’s injury, which forced him to miss the third Test, adds to India’s challenges, as they need to regroup and refine their strategy. Despite the heartbreak, India showed fight, and players like Jadeja, Rahul, and Bumrah proved their mettle. For Indian fans, the message is clear: stay proud, stay hopeful, and gear up for the next battle!
The Lord’s Test was a reminder of why Test cricket is so special—full of twists, turns, and raw emotion. Though India fell short, their spirit and skill promise more exciting cricket ahead.
