The third Test of the ongoing five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series between India and England at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground concluded on Monday, July 14, 2025, with England securing a nail-biting 22-run victory. This hard-fought win gives England a crucial 2-1 lead in the series, setting up an intriguing finish to the remaining two matches.
Match Summary: A Game of Fine Margins
The match was a classic Test encounter, characterized by fluctuating fortunes and moments of brilliance from both sides.
Identical First Innings: In a rare occurrence, both teams posted identical first innings totals of 387 runs.
- England's First Innings: After being put into bat, England scored 387, largely propelled by contributions from their middle and lower order, including a crucial 51 from Jamie Smith after being dropped early by KL Rahul. Joe Root also chipped in with a solid 104.
- India's First Innings: India responded strongly, matching England's total of 387. KL Rahul scored a magnificent century (100), and Rishabh Pant contributed a vital 74 before being unfortunately run out due to a mix-up with Ben Stokes. India, at one point, looked set for a significant lead but collapsed from 376/6 to 387 all out, losing their last four wickets for just 11 runs. This collapse proved to be a critical turning point.
England's Second Innings: England's second innings saw them score 192 runs, setting India a target of 193 to win. While a seemingly modest target in modern Test cricket, the deteriorating Lord's pitch and the pressure of a chase made it challenging. England's captain Ben Stokes (33) and Joe Root (40) made some valuable contributions, but the key was getting enough on the board to make a contest.
India's Fourth Innings Chase: India resumed Day 5 on 58/4, needing 135 runs with six wickets in hand. The morning session belonged to England's bowlers, particularly the returning Jofra Archer and captain Ben Stokes. Archer, playing his first Test in over four years, made an immediate impact, notably dismissing Rishabh Pant with a superb delivery and picking up three wickets in the innings. Stokes also bowled tirelessly, claiming three crucial wickets, including KL Rahul. India slumped to 82/7 and then 112/8 by lunch, seemingly out of the contest.
The Heroic Resistance: Ravindra Jadeja's Valiant Effort
However, Ravindra Jadeja launched a magnificent counter-attack, displaying immense grit and composure. He batted with the tail, forming crucial partnerships first with Jasprit Bumrah and then with Mohammed Siraj. Jadeja remained unbeaten on 61 runs off 181 deliveries, dragging India tantalizingly close to the target. His partnership with Siraj, in particular, kept England on their toes, frustrating their bowlers and pushing the game deep into the final session.
The Decisive Moment and England's Victory
With India needing just 22 runs and the last wicket pair at the crease, the tension at Lord's was palpable. England's off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, despite carrying a finger injury, delivered the decisive blow. He spun one sharply back into Mohammed Siraj, which ricocheted off the bat and onto the stumps, dislodging the bails. Siraj was out for 4, and India was bowled out for 170 in 74.5 overs, falling short by 22 runs.
Ben Stokes was rightfully named Player of the Match for his all-round heroics, including crucial runs, vital wickets, and an exceptional run-out of Rishabh Pant in the first innings.
Key Turning Points and Analysis:
- India's First Innings Collapse: The inability to convert a strong position of 376/6 into a substantial lead proved costly. Losing four wickets for 11 runs allowed England to match their total and stay in the game.
- KL Rahul's Dropped Catch of Jamie Smith: Early in England's first innings, KL Rahul dropped a straightforward catch of Jamie Smith when he was on 5. Smith went on to score a crucial 51, a contribution that significantly boosted England's total.
- Rishabh Pant's Run-Out: Just before lunch on Day 3, a miscommunication led to Rishabh Pant's run-out for 74. This broken partnership with Rahul stifled India's momentum.
- Jofra Archer's Return and Impact: Archer's pace and skill, especially on the final day, were instrumental in breaking India's top order. His comeback after a long injury lay-off was pivotal for England.
- England's Bowling Discipline: Despite a low target, England's bowlers, led by Stokes and Archer, maintained relentless pressure, showing discipline and patience to chip away at the Indian lineup.
This match will be remembered as a classic Lord's Test, showcasing the true essence of red-ball cricket. For India, it was a heartbreak, as they came agonizingly close to chasing a target that, statistically, they should have achieved more comfortably. For England, it was a testament to their resilience and 'Bazball' approach under pressure, securing a vital win to take a 2-1 lead in the series.
The series now moves to Old Trafford for the 4th Test, starting on July 23, 2025, with India needing a strong comeback to level the series.
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