The iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, often hailed as the “Home of Cricket,” set the stage for a gripping third Test match between England and India from July 10–14, 2025, as part of the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship. With the five-match series locked at 1-1, this clash promised high drama, and it delivered from the opening day. Joe Root’s masterful 99* and Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery return headlined a day of attritional cricket, where patience and skill trumped flair. As England reached 251/4 by stumps on Day 1, the stage is set for an enthralling battle. This article explores the key moments, standout performances, and what lies ahead in this blockbuster Test match.
Day 1: A Battle of Grit and Precision
England’s Steady Start
England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and opted to bat first under sunny skies, a decision that raised eyebrows given the green-tinged pitch and Lord’s famous 2.5-meter slope, which often aids seamers. The hosts aimed to capitalize on batting-friendly conditions, but India’s disciplined bowling unit had other plans. England’s openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, faced a testing morning session, with Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep exploiting early moisture to generate swing and seam movement. The duo fell in quick succession, leaving England at 44/2 by the 14th over.
Root’s Resilience and Pope’s Grit
Joe Root, England’s linchpin, walked in at No. 4 and showcased why he’s one of the finest Test batsmen of his generation. His disciplined 99* off 164 balls, including a fifty and a near-century, was a masterclass in adapting to a slow, challenging pitch. Root, who became the first batter to score 3,000 Test runs against India, absorbed pressure and countered India’s probing attack with finesse. Ollie Pope (50) played a crucial supporting role, stitching a 109-run partnership with Root before falling to Ravindra Jadeja’s spin. Harry Brook’s brief stay ended cheaply, courtesy of a Bumrah peach, but Root, alongside a cautious Ben Stokes (27*), guided England to 251/4 by stumps.
Bumrah’s Return and India’s Fightback
Jasprit Bumrah, rested for the second Test, returned with a vengeance. His fiery spells, including a wicket in the third session, reminded everyone why he’s the world’s top-ranked bowler. Despite not picking up wickets early, Bumrah’s accuracy and ability to exploit the Lord’s slope kept England’s batsmen on edge. Ravindra Jadeja and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy (2/39) chipped in with crucial breakthroughs, while Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj maintained relentless pressure. India’s strategy of pairing seam and spin, combined with disciplined lines, ensured England’s scoring rate remained below three runs per over for much of the day.
Key Moments and Talking Points
The Pitch and Conditions
The Lord’s pitch, initially green and expected to favor pacers, was shaved down before the match, reducing its venom but still offering enough for bowlers. England coach Brendon McCullum’s request for “pace and bounce” was partially met, but the surface played slower than anticipated, demanding patience from batsmen. The lush outfield and occasional uneven bounce, as noted by Ollie Pope, made scoring difficult, with boundaries hard to come by. The slope, running diagonally from the Pavilion End, added an extra layer of challenge, particularly for India’s seamers, who adapted well to generate lateral movement.
Rishabh Pant’s Injury Scare
India faced a setback when vice-captain and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant walked off the field after a blow to his left index finger. Dhruv Jurel stepped in as a substitute keeper, and with captain Shubman Gill briefly off the field, KL Rahul took temporary charge. Pant’s injury sparked concerns, given his explosive batting form in the series (including twin centuries in the second Test). His potential absence could shift the balance, especially if India bats on a wearing pitch.
Jofra Archer’s Comeback
England welcomed back Jofra Archer for his first Test since February 2021, a move that added firepower to their bowling attack. Archer, replacing Josh Tongue, bowled sparingly on Day 1 but is expected to unleash his pace in India’s innings. His return, alongside Gus Atkinson, signals England’s intent to exploit the pitch’s pace-friendly nature. Posts on X buzzed with excitement about Archer’s comeback, with fans eager to see him face off against India’s batting stars.
Ladybirds Interrupt Play
In a quirky moment, a swarm of ladybirds (or possibly flying ants) descended on Lord’s, briefly halting play. The unusual interruption added a light-hearted note to an otherwise intense day, with commentators and fans on X joking about “Ladybird Before Wicket.” This moment underscored the unpredictable charm of Test cricket at Lord’s.
The Series Context: A High-Stakes Battle
The series, level at 1-1, has been a rollercoaster. England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach secured a thrilling five-wicket win in the first Test at Headingley, chasing 371, with Ben Duckett’s 149 stealing the show. India roared back at Edgbaston, where Shubman Gill’s 430 runs (269 and 161) and Akash Deep’s 10-wicket haul powered a 336-run thrashing—their first-ever Test win at the venue. With both teams eyeing a crucial lead in the World Test Championship, the Lord’s Test is pivotal. India’s historical struggles at Lord’s (only three wins in 19 Tests) add extra pressure, while England aim to leverage their 59-35 win-loss record at the venue.
Key Players to Watch
Joe Root (England)
Root’s unbeaten 99* puts him on the cusp of his 37th Test century, a milestone that could tilt the match in England’s favor. His ability to anchor the innings while rotating the strike makes him India’s primary target on Day 2. With 3,000 runs against India, Root’s experience at Lord’s (average over 54) makes him a formidable force.
Jasprit Bumrah (India)
Bumrah’s return injects menace into India’s attack. His ability to generate wickets on any surface, combined with his mastery of the Lord’s slope, makes him a game-changer. Expect him to target England’s middle order, particularly Stokes, who appeared hampered by a possible groin injury.
Shubman Gill (India)
India’s captain has been in scintillating form, amassing 585 runs in the series, including a double century and two hundreds. Gill, playing his first Test at Lord’s, will be eager to lead from the front with the bat and inspire his team to a rare victory at the venue.
What’s Next?
Day 2 Outlook
England will aim to build on their 251/4, with Root and Stokes at the crease. A first-innings score of 400+ could set a strong foundation, but India’s bowlers, led by Bumrah, will look to strike early and exploit the new ball, available after 80 overs. The pitch’s slow nature suggests spinners like Jadeja and Washington Sundar could play a bigger role as the match progresses.
Series Implications
A win at Lord’s would give either team a 2-1 lead, a psychological and championship advantage with two Tests remaining (Manchester and The Oval). England’s home dominance at Lord’s contrasts with India’s recent successes (wins in 2014 and 2021), setting up a tantalizing contest. The outcome could hinge on how well India’s batsmen, including Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, handle England’s pace attack on a pitch expected to quicken.
Challenges Ahead
For England, Stokes’ potential injury and their reliance on Root pose risks. India must navigate Pant’s fitness concerns and ensure their bowlers maintain discipline on a pitch that may favor batsmen later. Both teams will also contend with the Dukes ball’s tendency to lose shape quickly, a point of frustration raised by Stokes and Pant.
How to Follow the Action
Fans can catch live updates on platforms like ESPNcricinfo, BBC Sport, and Sky Sports, with ball-by-ball commentary and video highlights available. The Lord’s pitch report will be broadcast on Sky Sports, Sony Sports, and JioHotstar before the toss each day. For real-time sentiment, X posts offer a vibrant pulse of fan reactions, though always verify information independently. Tickets for remaining days are available through Vivid Seats, starting at $578, though many days are sold out.
Conclusion
The third Test at Lord’s is living up to its billing as a clash of titans, with Joe Root’s steely resolve and Jasprit Bumrah’s lethal bowling setting the tone. As England dig in and India fight back, the match is poised for more twists, from Root’s quest for a century to Bumrah’s pursuit of a place on the Lord’s honours board. With the series on a knife-edge, this Test promises to be a defining chapter in the 2025 India-England rivalry. Stay tuned for what could be a historic finish at the Home of Cricket.
Keywords: England vs India, Lord’s Test, Joe Root, Jasprit Bumrah, Shubman Gill, World Test Championship, third Test 2025, cricket live score, Lord’s pitch, Bazball.
Last Updated on: Thursday, July 10, 2025 11:35 pm by R Sampath Kumar | Published by: R Sampath Kumar on Thursday, July 10, 2025 11:35 pm | News Categories: Sports
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