The third Test between India and England at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground unfolded with intense drama and stellar performances on Day 2, July 11, 2025, as the battle for supremacy in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy continued to captivate cricket fans worldwide. India finished the day at 145 for 3, trailing England's first innings total of 387 by 242 runs, setting the stage for a gripping contest yet to fully reveal its outcome.
England's innings was marked by a remarkable display of resilience and skill, particularly from their tailenders Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse. Smith, who has been in scintillating form throughout the series, not only surpassed 400 runs in the ongoing series but also crafted a vital 52-ball half-century on Day 2. Alongside Carse, who scored his maiden Test fifty with a patient 56 runs, the duo shared an unbroken 82-run stand for the eighth wicket, frustrating the Indian bowling attack and shifting momentum slightly in England's favor. Their partnership was a testament to grit and determination, especially as India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah sought to dismantle England’s lower order.
Bumrah’s performance was nothing short of masterful. He secured a coveted place on the Lord's honours board with a five-wicket haul, finishing with figures of 5 for 74 in 27 overs. His spell was highlighted by a devastating burst where he took three wickets for just one run in seven balls, reducing England from 251 for 4 to 271 for 7. Among his prized scalps were England captain Ben Stokes, who was bowled for 44 by a seaming delivery that jagged back into the off stump, and Joe Root, who fell for 104. Root’s dismissal was particularly notable as it was the 11th time Bumrah had dismissed him in Tests, underscoring a fascinating rivalry. Root’s century was his 37th in Test cricket, moving him past legends Rahul Dravid and Steven Smith into fifth place on the all-time list. Chris Woakes was also dismissed by Bumrah for a golden duck, completing a devastating sequence for England.
The day began with an electrifying return to Test cricket for England’s Jofra Archer, who made a stunning impact after more than four years away from the format due to injury. Archer’s first over was a reminder of his raw pace and skill, with several deliveries topping 90 mph. His third ball saw him dismiss India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal with a perfect 90 mph full-length delivery that induced an edge to second slip. Archer finished with figures of 1 for 22 from 10 overs, signaling that he could be a key figure for England as they prepare for the upcoming Ashes series in Australia.
India’s reply was steadied by KL Rahul, who scored a composed 53 not out, and Rishabh Pant, unbeaten on 19 at stumps. However, the visitors faced early setbacks when their captain Shubman Gill, who had been in prolific form with 585 runs in four innings this series, was dismissed cheaply for 16 by Chris Woakes, caught behind by Jamie Smith. Earlier, Jofra Archer had also removed Yashasvi Jaiswal early, and Karun Nair, who played with authority to score 40, was sent back by a stunning catch from Joe Root. Despite these losses, Rahul and Pant held firm, ensuring India remained in the hunt heading into the next day.
The pitch at Lord's, known for its historic significance and challenging conditions, offered little seam movement initially, which was evident on Day 1 when English openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett negated early Indian bowling pressure. However, Indian pacer Nitish Kumar Reddy made an immediate impact by removing both openers in his first over, setting the tone for a competitive match.
One of the more unusual aspects of the day was the drama surrounding the Dukes ball. The Indian team expressed visible frustration over the decision to change the second new ball after just 10.3 overs, a move that surprised many given the ball was performing well. The umpires accepted India’s request for a replacement ball, but dissatisfaction lingered, leading to a second ball change within eight overs. This rare sequence sparked animated discussions between Indian captain Shubman Gill and the match officials, highlighting the importance of ball condition in the ebb and flow of Test cricket at Lord's.
Throughout the session, England’s Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse showcased their ability to drive the ball elegantly through the covers, resisting the Indian pacers' advances and frustrating the visitors. Smith’s innings was particularly impressive given he had earlier been dropped on 5 by KL Rahul, a reprieve he capitalized on fully. His performance, combined with Carse’s maiden fifty, was a crucial factor in England reaching 353 for 7 at lunch and eventually being bowled out for 387 in 112.3 overs.
India’s bowling attack, led by Bumrah’s fiery spell, was relentless. The fast bowler’s ability to swing the ball both ways and maintain a probing line and length caused constant trouble for England’s batsmen. His dismissals of Stokes, Root, and Woakes in quick succession demonstrated his match-winning potential. The battle between Bumrah and Root was a highlight, with the Indian pacer once again asserting dominance over one of England’s finest batsmen.
On the batting front for India, KL Rahul’s steady half-century and Rishabh Pant’s resilience provided hope. Pant, known for his aggressive style, held the crease well alongside Rahul, who played with authority after early wickets fell. Their partnership ensured India did not lose further momentum and kept the deficit manageable, trailing by 242 runs at stumps.
The match has been marked by intense individual battles and strategic plays. England’s Jofra Archer’s return adds a fresh dynamic to the bowling attack, while Bumrah’s performance cements his status as the world’s top-ranked Test bowler. The fluctuating fortunes of both teams, combined with the pitch conditions and ball controversies, have created a compelling narrative in this pivotal Test match.
As the series stands level at 1-1 following India’s dominant victory in the second Test at Edgbaston, this third Test at Lord’s promises to be a crucial decider. The performances of key players like Bumrah, Root, Archer, Rahul, and Pant will be instrumental in shaping the outcome. With the match finely poised and the action ongoing, cricket enthusiasts can anticipate more thrilling moments ahead as both teams vie for supremacy in this historic contest.
