"India vs England 2025: Thrilling Drama Unfolds at Lord’s

By Cricket Enthusiast | July 12, 2025

The hallowed turf of Lord’s Cricket Ground, often dubbed the "Home of Cricket," witnessed another chapter of exhilarating Test cricket as India faced England in the third Test of the 2025 Pataudi Trophy. With the series tied at 1-1, the clash promised high stakes, and Day 2 delivered drama, skill, and moments that will be etched in cricket lore. From Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery spells to Jofra Archer’s emotional comeback, here’s a deep dive into the pulsating action that unfolded at Lord’s.

A Stage Set for Legends

Lord’s has always been a theatre of dreams for cricketers worldwide. The iconic venue, steeped in history, hosted a gripping contest as India and England battled for supremacy in the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship. The series began with England’s commanding win at Headingley, followed by India’s emphatic 336-run victory at Edgbaston, setting the stage for a blockbuster at Lord’s.

The pitch, as revealed days before the match, carried a green tinge, hinting at pace and bounce that would favor fast bowlers like Jofra Archer and Jasprit Bumrah. England’s head coach, Brendon McCullum, had explicitly requested a lively surface after the batting-friendly tracks in Leeds and Birmingham, and Lord’s didn’t disappoint.

Day 1: England’s Steady Start

England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to bat, a decision rooted in tradition at Lord’s, where batting first often sets the tone. Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett started cautiously, but India’s young pacer Nitish Kumar Reddy struck early, removing both in quick succession. The hosts were 53/2, and India’s bowlers sensed an opportunity.

Enter Joe Root, England’s talisman, whose gritty 99 not out off 191 balls anchored the innings. Root, on the verge of becoming the first batter to score 3,000 Test runs against India, played with patience and precision, frustrating India’s bowlers, particularly Bumrah, who dismissed him 11 times in Tests prior. By stumps, England reached 251/4, with Stokes unbeaten on 39, setting a solid foundation.

Day 2: Bumrah and Archer Steal the Show

Day 2 began with a buzz as Jasprit Bumrah took the new ball, aiming for his name on the Lord’s honours board. His spell was electric, dismantling England’s middle order with a five-wicket haul (5/97). Bumrah’s dismissal of Harry Brook, clean bowled through a tentative drive, was a highlight, showcasing his unrelenting accuracy. He also rattled Archer’s stumps, surpassing Kapil Dev’s record for the most five-wicket hauls by an Indian pacer away from home.

England’s innings folded at 387, thanks to late resistance from Jamie Smith (88) and Brydon Carse (50). However, Bumrah’s relentless pace ensured India stayed in control.

India’s reply wasn’t without drama. Jofra Archer, making his Test comeback after four years, bowled a fiery opening over, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal with his third ball. The Lord’s crowd erupted, welcoming back their pace sensation. Archer’s 91mph deliveries, coupled with pinpoint control, reminded everyone of his 2019 heroics at the same venue.

India’s captain Shubman Gill, fresh off a record-breaking 430 runs in the second Test, fell to Chris Woakes for 18, a rare failure in his stellar series. KL Rahul (50) and Karun Nair (40) steadied the ship, but Joe Root’s stunning catch to dismiss Nair swung momentum back to England. By stumps, India were 145/3, trailing by 242 runs, with Rishabh Pant (1*) nursing an injured finger.

Key Moments That Defined the Day

Bumrah’s Honours Board Moment: Jasprit Bumrah’s five-wicket haul was a masterclass in fast bowling. His duel with Root, where he restricted the Englishman to just 10 runs off 23 balls, was a testament to his skill.
Archer’s Emotional Return: Jofra Archer’s comeback was the story of the day. After years of injury setbacks, his wicket of Jaiswal felt like a full-circle moment, reigniting hopes of his Test resurgence.
Root’s Near-Miss Century: Joe Root’s 99 was a gritty knock, falling just short of his 37th Test ton. His ability to grind out runs on a slow-burning day kept England in the game.
Pant’s Injury Scare: Rishabh Pant’s finger injury raised concerns, but his decision to bat showed his grit. India will hope their vice-captain can fire on Day 3.

What’s at Stake on Day 3?

With the match finely poised, Day 3 promises more fireworks. India’s batting, led by Rahul and Pant, will aim to erase the deficit and build a lead. England, buoyed by Archer’s return and Woakes’ three five-wicket hauls at Lord’s, will look to strike early. The pitch, still offering bounce, could favor both sides’ pacers, setting up a thrilling contest.

The series’ context adds intrigue. India’s win at Edgbaston showcased their resilience, with Shubman Gill’s historic 269 and 161 in the same Test rewriting record books. England, however, have a strong record at Lord’s, winning 12 of the 19 Tests against India at the venue.

Why This Match Matters

This Test isn’t just about the series lead; it’s about legacy. For India, a win at Lord’s—where they’ve triumphed only three times in 19 attempts—would be a statement of intent in the World Test Championship. For England, it’s a chance to reclaim momentum and prove their “Bazball” philosophy can withstand India’s potent attack.

The return of Archer and Bumrah’s dominance add a layer of narrative richness. As Stuart Broad warned, India’s bowling, led by Bumrah, is a “dangerous” unit, and England must tread carefully.

Looking Ahead

As Lord’s braces for Day 3, fans can expect more twists. Will Pant, despite his injury, unleash his trademark flair? Can Root finally cross the 3,000-run mark against India? And will Archer and Bumrah continue their battle for supremacy? One thing’s certain: Lord’s is delivering a spectacle worthy of its legacy.

Image Idea: A panoramic view of Lord’s packed stands, with fans in India and England jerseys, capturing the electric atmosphere of the Test.

Stay tuned for more updates as the drama unfolds. Follow our blog for daily recaps, player insights, and exclusive images that bring the action to life. Let us know your predictions in the comments below!