In a thrilling display of Test cricket at Lord's on Monday, July 14, 2025, England edged out India by a narrow margin of 22 runs to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series. The final day was packed with tension, drama, and moments of sheer resilience, culminating in a memorable victory for England, thanks to standout performances from Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, and the entire bowling unit.
The match had been finely poised heading into the final day, with India chasing a modest target of 193 runs. However, the chase proved far from straightforward on a pitch that offered variable bounce and movement, challenging the Indian batting lineup. England’s bowlers, led by the relentless Ben Stokes and the fiery Jofra Archer, applied immense pressure, picking up crucial wickets at vital junctures.
India’s innings faltered early on the final day, losing four wickets before lunch, thanks to incisive bowling spells. Yet, the fightback was led by Ravindra Jadeja, who stood tall amidst the collapse, remaining unbeaten on 61 runs. His patient and gritty innings kept India’s hopes alive deep into the afternoon session, as he formed a vital partnership with Mohammed Siraj.
Siraj, despite battling a shoulder injury sustained earlier in the match from a short ball by Archer, showed remarkable determination. The duo battled through tense moments, inching closer to the target as the crowd roared in anticipation. India needed just 30 runs at tea with six wickets in hand, and the possibility of a famous win seemed within reach.
However, England’s persistence paid off. The final wicket fell to young spinner Shoaib Bashir, who, despite a broken finger on his non-bowling hand, bowled with courage and precision. Bashir’s delivery to Siraj was a looping ball outside off stump that spun sharply back to clip the leg stump, sealing an unforgettable victory for England. The jubilant celebrations were tempered with sportsmanship as England players consoled the heartbroken Indian pair of Jadeja and Siraj.
Ben Stokes was deservedly named Player of the Match for his phenomenal all-round performance. He contributed crucial runs with scores of 44 and 33 and took five wickets in the match, including a spectacular run-out of Rishabh Pant in the first innings. Stokes reflected on the significance of the day, which marked six years since his iconic World Cup win at Lord's in 2019. “I’ve taken myself to some pretty dark places, but if bowling your country to a Test match win doesn’t get you excited, I don’t know what does,” he said in a post-match interview with Sky Sports. He also praised Bashir’s warrior-like effort and expressed optimism for the remaining matches in the series.
Jofra Archer’s return to the playing XI proved pivotal. Opting to start with Archer over Brydon Carse, Stokes’s intuition was spot on as Archer claimed three crucial wickets, including dismissals of Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar, further denting India’s chase. Archer consistently bowled at speeds between 88 and 90 mph, occasionally touching 94 mph, unsettling the Indian batsmen with his pace and accuracy.
India’s captain, Shubman Gill, expressed pride in his team’s fighting spirit despite the loss. He acknowledged the challenge of chasing a target on a tricky pitch and praised Jadeja’s brilliance with the bat. “This is as close as Test cricket gets,” Gill said. “We were confident with plenty of batting to come, but England bowled really well, and we couldn’t string some partnerships in the top order. At one point, we believed we could get a lead of around 50-60 runs, which could have been crucial.” He also hinted at Bumrah’s fitness update, promising to share more information soon.
The match was notable for the rare first-innings tie, with both England and India scoring exactly 387 runs. England’s lower order added a valuable 116 runs, while India’s tail contributed just 11, highlighting the difference in depth. Additionally, India conceded 25 byes in the second innings, a factor that proved costly in such a low-scoring contest.
Throughout the series, the competition has been fierce, with moments of intense sledging and on-field tension, particularly involving Mohammed Siraj. Siraj was fined 15% of his match fee and received a demerit point for an excessive celebration following the dismissal of Ben Duckett, reflecting the fiery nature of the contest. Despite this, Siraj’s competitive spirit and bowling prowess were integral to India’s efforts.
The crowd at Lord’s witnessed a test match filled with nail-biting moments reminiscent of classic encounters, such as the famous Edgbaston 2005 Test where England narrowly defeated Australia. The atmosphere was electric, with fans from both nations passionately supporting their teams. The players’ resilience, especially under pressure, showcased the true spirit of Test cricket.
Looking ahead, England will aim to consolidate their lead when the fourth Test begins on July 23, 2025, at Old Trafford in Manchester. India, meanwhile, will seek to regroup and bounce back, knowing that the series is far from over with two matches still to play.
In the end, this match at the Home of Cricket will be remembered as a classic battle of skill, endurance, and heart. England’s narrow victory by 22 runs is a testament to their grit and determination, while India’s valiant fight, led by Jadeja’s masterclass, underscores the fine margins that define Test cricket.
