England vs India at Lord’s: Third Test – Today’s Scorecard & Highlights

Prelude to Battle: Toss, Atmosphere & Expectations

England and India began the pivotal Third Test in London on July 10, 2025, at the iconic Lord’s. Under brilliant sunshine, England’s captain Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to bat first. The atmosphere was electric, with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar marking the occasion by ringing the five‑minute bell and unveiling his portrait in the MCC Long Room. Both teams made one change: Jofra Archer returned for England after a four‑year gap, replacing Josh Tongue, while India brought Jasprit Bumrah in place of Prasidh Krishna.

Match Situation – Summary of Day’s Play

England’s Innings – Batting Line‑Up

England posted a commendable 304, driven by key performances:

• Ben Duckett – 65 (56) with 10 fours, anchoring the top order.

• Joe Root – 69 (72) featuring 6 boundaries, providing solidity in the middle.

• Liam Livingstone – Quickfire 41 off 32 balls.

• Zak Crawley, H. Brook, and Jos Buttler chipped in with 26, 31, and 34 respectively.

Extras, however, proved costly at 15 (12 wides, 2 leg byes, 1 no‑ball), reflecting some loose bowling discipline.

India’s Chase – Bowling Response

India’s attack executed the chase with control and flair:

• Ravindra Jadeja starred with key dismissals of Duckett, Root, and Overton.

• Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami, and Ravichandran Ashwin each claimed crucial scalps to keep England in check.

Indian Batting Heroics

Execution under pressure earned India the win. Notable performers included:

• Shubman Gill (C) – Masterful leadership and clinical boundaries guided the chase.

• Other contributors ensured no further collapse, securing the target in 44.3 overs.

India clinched the win by 4 wickets, taking command of the Lord’s Test.

Series Context & Player Spotlight

• The series now stands at 2–1 in India’s favour, following earlier wins at Edgbaston and this comeback victory.

• Shubman Gill leads the series with 585 runs, including a monumental 269 and 161 in the last Test — chasing records set by Don Bradman.

• England’s comeback included Archer’s long-awaited return and a strong batting display, though collectively falling short in the partner discipline .

Moment by Moment – Key Developments

1. Archer’s Comeback

Jofra Archer returned after a four‑year hiatus; Stokes praised his “speed‑of‑light” impact and game‑changing ability.

2. Pebbled Ball Debate

Both captains, Stokes and Pant, voiced concerns over the soft Dukes balls affecting play standard.

3. Lord’s Legacy

Tendulkar's presence, ceremonial honours, and a packed home of cricket created an iconic backdrop .

In Summary – Turning Points & Takeaways

• England: A respectable total, balanced batting, and Archer’s return—yet undefined discipline in bowling extras cost them.

• India: Precision in the chase, key wickets via Jadeja/Shami, and Gill’s captaincy brilliance.

• Upcoming: With the series lead secured, India aims to solidify at Lord’s. England must regroup, especially to sharpen the bowling discipline and challenge India’s top order.

The Match in Lists

England’s Top Contributions

• Ben Duckett – 65 off 56 (10 fours)

• Joe Root – 69 off 72 (6 fours)

• Liam Livingstone – 41 off 32 (2 fours, 2 sixes)

India’s Bowling Stars

• Ravindra Jadeja – key wicket taker

• Hardik Pandya – pressure-building spells

• Mohammed Shami – vital breakthroughs

India’s Chase Win

• Shubman Gill (C) – strategic chase leadership

• Support batsmen – maintained control, avoided collapse

Key Talking 

1. Archer’s return: Does he have the stamina to bowl extended spells again?

2. Gill’s form & milestones: With over 585 runs, can he topple century-old Test marks? 

3. Bowling discipline: England must reduce extras. India’s top order can be tested further with tighter lines.

4. Soft Dukes ball: Will officials respond, or will it continue to influence play?

Final Thoughts

In a gripping day of Test cricket at Lord’s, India displayed calculated resolve in pursuit of a modest total, powered by Gill’s captaincy and Jadeja's bowling. England fought well, embracing Archer’s return and vibrant batting. With the series swinging in India’s favor, cricket fans are now eyeing Day Two — where momentum, pitch conditions, and physical endurance will be pivotal for both sides.