India vs England 3rd Test – The hallowed turf of Lord’s bore witness to yet another cricketing classic as England edged India by 22 runs in the third Test of the 2025 Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy. This Test wasn’t just a match—it was a psychological arm-wrestle, a showcase of resilience, and a tale of redemption and heartbreak in equal measure.
England now lead the five-match series 2–1, but the scoreline barely captures the raw tension that unfurled over five gripping days in London.
A Balanced Beginning: Both Teams Post 387
The first innings from both teams were remarkably similar—not just in score, but in approach and temperament.
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England, opting to bat first, built a strong total of 387, led by a majestic Joe Root century. He played the anchor role to perfection while others batted around him.
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India responded in kind. KL Rahul’s solid ton, Rishabh Pant’s counterattacking flair, and Ravindra Jadeja’s stability helped the visitors reach the exact same total—387. It was poetic symmetry that set the stage for an unpredictable finish.
Second Innings Mayhem: Bowlers Take Charge
With the match evenly poised, England’s second innings turned chaotic. India’s bowlers, especially Washington Sundar and Jasprit Bumrah, applied relentless pressure.
England were bundled out for 192, setting India a target of 193—a modest chase on paper, but on a wearing pitch at Lord’s and under cloudy skies, it felt like 293.
The Final Day: Drama, Nerves, and That Archer Spell
Jofra Archer’s Electrifying Return
Making his comeback to Test cricket after four long years, Jofra Archer lit up Lord’s with sheer pace and precision. Clocking the fastest over ever by an England bowler, Archer removed key Indian batters with hostile short balls and subtle variations. His comeback was not just symbolic—it was match-defining.
Ben Stokes: The Heart and Hammer
If Archer was the fire, Ben Stokes was the ice. Captain, bowler, motivator, and strategist—Stokes bowled a massive 24 overs in the final innings, taking 3 key wickets and putting constant pressure on India’s middle and lower order. His calm aggression and relentless energy underlined why he remains England’s heartbeat in Test cricket.
India’s Fight: Jadeja Stands Tall, But Alone
India’s chase began with early hiccups. Wickets tumbled at regular intervals as the pressure mounted. But once again, Ravindra Jadeja stood firm. His unbeaten 61 from 181 balls was a masterclass in patience, control, and defiance. As wickets fell around him, Jadeja resisted.
At 180/9, just 13 runs from victory, Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj looked like they might pull off a miracle. But a spinning delivery from Shoaib Bashir deflected off Siraj’s pads onto the stumps, ending India’s brave pursuit just 22 runs short.
The silence at Lord’s said it all.
Key Turning Points
1. Pant’s Missed Opportunity
Rishabh Pant looked dangerous, but a moment of indecision saw him run out in the first innings. It was a turning point that denied India momentum.
2. Archer’s Spell
Jofra Archer’s three wickets broke the spine of India’s top order in the fourth innings. His pace created panic and chaos.
3. Stokes’ Tactical Brilliance
Rotating his bowlers with precision, setting aggressive fields, and bowling long spells himself—Stokes’s captaincy deserves massive credit.
Player Performances: Heroes and Heartbreakers
Top Performers
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Ben Stokes – All-round brilliance with bat and ball. Truly a captain’s performance.
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Jofra Archer – A fairytale return. Bowled with fire, skill, and control.
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Ravindra Jadeja – India’s rock. Kept them in the game till the very end.
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Joe Root – Anchored England’s first innings with a stylish century.
Missed the Mark
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India’s middle-order – Inconsistent across innings, unable to convert starts.
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Fielding units – Both teams missed key chances, but India’s dropped catches were more costly.
Tactical & Mental Edge
This Test wasn’t just about skill—it was a battle of minds.
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England’s short-ball strategy and aggressive fields in India’s fourth innings were pivotal.
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India’s lack of urgency early on Day 5 and their middle-order collapse cost them dearly.
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Momentum: England have seized it. India must regroup quickly.
Series Outlook: What Lies Ahead
With England leading 2–1, the next Test at Old Trafford becomes a must-win for India. They’ve shown they can fight back—especially after their massive 336-run win in the second Test—but they’ll need more consistency in batting and better temperament in key moments.
Rishabh Pant’s fitness remains a question, and India’s team balance may need adjusting.
Final Thoughts: A Test for the Ages
The Lord’s Test reminded the world why Test cricket is still the purest form of the game. It was a war of attrition, class, and character. England held their nerve. India fell short, but not without a fight.
