England vs India, 3rd Test: A Thrilling Chapter in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy

The third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, played at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London from July 10 to July 14, 2025, will be remembered as one of the most gripping encounters in recent Test cricket history. With the five-match series tied at 1-1, both England and India entered the match with high stakes, each desperate to gain the upper hand. What unfolded over five days was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing the resilience, skill, and drama that define Test cricket at its finest. England emerged victorious by a narrow margin of 22 runs, taking a 2-1 lead in the series, thanks to stellar performances from Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, and a resilient Indian fightback led by Ravindra Jadeja that fell agonizingly short.

Day 1: A Balanced Start Under London Skies

The match began on July 10, 2025, under partly cloudy skies at Lord’s, with England winning the toss and electing to bat on a pitch that promised runs but also offered assistance to bowlers with discipline. England’s innings started steadily, with openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett laying a solid foundation. However, India’s pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, struck early, dismissing Duckett with a searing yorker. Ollie Pope’s gritty 44, caught by substitute fielder Dhruv Jurel off Ravindra Jadeja’s bowling, was a highlight of the day, but England’s middle order showed resilience, led by Joe Root and Ben Stokes. By the close of play, England had reached a competitive 153/3, setting the stage for a crucial second day.

India’s bowlers, particularly Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, kept the pressure on, but the flat Lord’s pitch and England’s cautious approach ensured the hosts held a slight edge. The day was not without quirks, as play was briefly interrupted by an unusual invasion of flying ants and ladybirds, prompting a light-hearted exchange between Stokes and umpire Paul Reiffel.

Day 2: England’s Dominance and India’s Response

Day 2 saw England capitalize on their strong start, with Root and Stokes building a substantial partnership. Stokes, leading from the front, played a captain’s knock, while Root anchored the innings with a typically composed century. India’s bowlers toiled in the 28-degree London heat, with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar finding some turn but struggling for breakthroughs. England’s first innings eventually concluded at 387 all out in 112.3 overs, with Bumrah (5 wickets) and Prasidh Krishna (3 wickets) leading India’s bowling effort.

India’s response began cautiously, with openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Karun Nair facing a fiery spell from Jofra Archer, who had returned to the Test side after a long injury layoff. Nair fell for 40, caught by Joe Root off Stokes, but KL Rahul and captain Shubman Gill steadied the ship. By the end of Day 2, India were 74/2, trailing by 313 runs but showing signs of resilience.

Day 3: India Fight Back, Tensions Flare

The third day was a spectacle of high-quality cricket, with India matching England’s first-innings total of 387. KL Rahul’s magnificent century, his second at Lord’s, was the cornerstone of India’s innings. Rahul became only the second Indian batter to score multiple Test hundreds at the venue, earning praise for his composure under pressure. Rishabh Pant chipped in with a sparkling 74, equalling MS Dhoni’s record for the most fifty-plus scores by a visiting wicketkeeper in England. Ravindra Jadeja (72) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (30) provided late resistance, but England’s bowlers, led by Chris Woakes (3-84) and Stokes (2-63), struck at crucial moments to wrap up India’s innings.

The day wasn’t without controversy, as tensions flared in the final over. Shubman Gill, frustrated by what he perceived as time-wasting tactics by England’s openers, engaged in a heated exchange with Zak Crawley, adding spice to an already intense contest. England faced one over from Bumrah before stumps, finishing at 2/0, with the match poised on a knife’s edge.

Day 4: England’s Collapse and India’s Stumble

Day 4 saw the game swing dramatically. England, resuming their second innings, were bowled out for 192 in 62.1 overs, setting India a target of 193. Washington Sundar was the star for India, claiming four wickets, including the crucial scalp of Stokes (33). Bumrah and Woakes also chipped in, exploiting a pitch that had begun to offer more for the bowlers. However, India’s chase got off to a disastrous start, with England’s pace attack, led by Stokes and Archer, tearing through the top order. Yashasvi Jaiswal (0), Karun Nair (13), Shubman Gill (6), and Akash Deep (1) fell in quick succession, leaving India reeling at 58/4 by stumps. KL Rahul, unbeaten on 39, and Ravindra Jadeja held the fort, with India needing 135 runs on the final day with six wickets in hand.

The day ended with both teams believing they could win, setting up a tantalizing finale. Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif praised Jadeja’s composure, calling him “India’s most-reliable cricketer” on X, while England’s camp remained buoyant after their late burst.

Day 5: A Heart-Stopping Climax

The final day began with India needing 135 runs and England requiring six wickets. What followed was a morning session of relentless drama. England’s bowlers, led by Stokes and Archer, struck early, dismissing Rahul (39), Pant, and Washington Sundar in quick succession. Archer’s sensational catch off his own bowling to dismiss Sundar was a turning point, leaving India at 81/6. Jadeja, however, refused to yield, forming a 30-run stand with Nitish Kumar Reddy and a defiant 35-run partnership with Bumrah. Jadeja’s unbeaten 61 off 181 balls was a masterclass in grit, earning him widespread acclaim.

With India needing just 24 runs and England one wicket away, the tension was palpable. The match seemed destined for a historic Indian chase until Shoaib Bashir, despite nursing a finger injury, delivered the decisive blow. Mohammed Siraj, India’s No. 11, played a ball with soft hands, but in a freakish moment, it spun back onto his stumps, dislodging a bail. India were bowled out for 170 in 74.5 overs, falling 22 runs short. The Lord’s crowd erupted as England celebrated a hard-fought victory, with Stokes named Player of the Match for his 77 runs and 5 wickets, including a marathon bowling spell of 3-48 off 24 overs.

Key Performances and Turning Points

• Ben Stokes (England): The England captain was the heartbeat of his team, contributing with bat, ball, and leadership. His all-round brilliance earned him the Player of the Match award.
• Ravindra Jadeja (India): Jadeja’s unbeaten 61 was a heroic effort, though it couldn’t prevent India’s heartbreak. His composure under pressure was lauded by fans and experts alike.
• Jofra Archer (England): Archer’s return to Test cricket was marked by three wickets and a stunning catch, proving his value to the side.
• Jasprit Bumrah (India): Bumrah’s five-wicket haul in England’s first innings and gritty batting on Day 5 kept India in the fight.
• KL Rahul (India): Rahul’s century on Day 3 and gritty resistance on Day 4 gave India hope, but his dismissal early on Day 5 was a body blow.

The match was also notable for its emotional intensity, with moments like Stokes’ exchanges with Jadeja and Siraj, and Gill’s confrontation with Crawley, adding to the “theatre” of Test cricket, as Stokes himself described it.

Impact on the Series and World Test Championship

England’s victory gave them a 2-1 lead in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, with two Tests remaining at Old Trafford (July 23–27) and The Oval. The win also propelled England to second place in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 standings, behind Australia, while India slipped to fourth with a points percentage of 33.33.

The third Test at Lord’s was a testament to the enduring appeal of Test cricket, with both teams showcasing skill, resilience, and passion. For England, Stokes’ leadership and all-round contribution were pivotal, while India’s fight, led by Jadeja, Bumrah, and Siraj, earned them respect despite the loss. The series, now poised at 2-1, promises more drama as both teams head to Manchester for the fourth Test.

As Stokes noted post-match, the longer break before the next Test was welcome, given the physical and emotional toll of this encounter. For India, the challenge will be to regroup and address their batting frailties, particularly in the second innings. With the WTC final at Lord’s in June 2027 on the horizon, both teams will be keen to build momentum.

This Test match, with its ebbs and flows, controversies, and unforgettable moments, will be etched in the memories of cricket fans as a classic Lord’s encounter, where England’s resolve just outlasted India’s courage.