London, July 14, 2025 – Five riveting days of Test cricket at the iconic Lord’s ended in heartbreak for India, as England staged a dramatic comeback to claim a nerve-wracking 22-run victory and take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
Set a modest target of 193 runs on the final day, India were tipped as favourites to wrap up the match. But cricket, as always, proved unpredictable. England’s bowlers, led by Brydon Carse and Jofra Archer, turned the tide late on Day 4, leaving India reeling at 58/4 overnight.
Day 4 Drama: Top Order Collapse
India began their chase disastrously. Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal departed for a duck, failing to deal with England’s disciplined bowling. KL Rahul, unbeaten on 33*, tried to steady the innings alongside Karun Nair, who looked solid until an untimely lapse in concentration cost him his wicket for 14 (33 balls) to Carse in the 13th over.
Captain Shubman Gill arrived under intense pressure and faced a fired-up England attack. Gill lasted just nine balls, scoring six runs before Carse trapped him plumb in front. The hosts then struck a decisive blow when nightwatchman Akash Deep fell to Ben Stokes in the last over of the day, amplifying India’s woes.
Day 5: Fightback Falls Short
Resuming at 58/4, India pinned hopes on KL Rahul and the counter-attacking Rishabh Pant. The pair had earlier led a rescue act in the first innings and were tasked with repeating the feat. But England’s pace duo of Carse and Archer maintained relentless pressure.
Despite Rahul’s resistance, wickets continued to tumble at the other end. Mohammed Siraj, India’s last recognised tailender, fell victim to sheer bad luck, sealing England’s hard-fought win. The margin—a mere 22 runs—underlined the intensity and fine margins that decided the contest.
First Innings: Neck-and-Neck Battle
Both teams had earlier posted identical scores of 387 in their respective first innings, keeping the contest perfectly balanced.
For England, Joe Root (40) and Harry Brook (23) offered some resistance, supported by skipper Ben Stokes (33). However, they failed to withstand India’s spin test. Washington Sundar starred with figures of 4/45, while Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj chipped in with two wickets each. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Akash Deep also picked up a wicket apiece, helping bundle England out for 192 in their second innings.
Bowling Heroes: England’s Pace Attack
England owed their victory to Brydon Carse and Jofra Archer, who bowled decisive spells late on Day 4. Carse ended with two wickets in just four overs, conceding a mere 11 runs at an economy of 2.75. Archer supported effectively, picking up a wicket for 18 runs in four overs.
Series Outlook
The win hands England a crucial 2-1 advantage heading into the fourth Test in Manchester. For India, the loss is a bitter pill after being in a commanding position, but the series is still alive.
With momentum now firmly with the hosts, India will look to regroup, correct their batting frailties under pressure, and come back stronger in the next match.
📍 Final Result at Lord’s:
England: 387 & 192
India: 387 & 170
England won by 22 runs; lead series 2-1
