The iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground witnessed a captivating contest as England clinched a tense 22-run victory over India in the 3rd Test, taking a crucial 2–1 lead in the five-match series. Despite both teams posting identical first-innings totals — a rare feat last seen in 2015 — England’s disciplined bowling attack and India’s fragile second-innings batting shaped the outcome of a classic encounter.
England win toss and post competitive first innings total
England captain Ben Stokes won the toss under partly cloudy skies and elected to bat first. The decision proved justified as England compiled a total of 387 runs in their first innings. Veteran batter Joe Root stood tall with a superb knock of 104 runs, notching up his 37th Test century. His innings, marked by fluent drives and gritty defense, anchored England after early setbacks.
Other valuable contributions came from Jamie Smith (51), and skipper Ben Stokes, who added a handy 33 runs lower down the order. India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah was the standout performer, claiming 5 wickets for 92 runs, displaying skillful swing and seam movement that troubled England’s middle and lower order.
📝 England 1st innings scorecard (Top scorers):
- Joe Root – 104
- Jamie Smith – 51
- Brydon Carse – 56
- Ben Stokes – 44
Total: 387 all out
India respond with identical score in first innings
In reply, India mirrored England’s total, finishing on 387 all out, making it the second instance in the last decade where two teams scored exactly the same in their first innings of a Test match. This remarkable parity set the stage for a gripping contest.
For India, opener KL Rahul crafted a fine century, scoring exactly 100 runs, combining patience with elegant stroke play. Middle-order support came from Rishabh Pant, who struck a brisk 74, and Ravindra Jadeja, who contributed a composed 72. England’s bowling was led by Chris Woakes, who took 3 wickets for 77 runs, while Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, and Shoaib Bashir shared the remaining scalps.
📝 India 1st innings scorecard (Top scorers):
- KL Rahul – 100
- Rishabh Pant – 74
- Ravindra Jadeja – 72
Total: 387 all out
England stumble in second innings
With the match finely balanced, England’s second innings faltered against India’s disciplined bowling. The hosts could muster only 192 runs, giving India a modest target of 193 to win. Once again, Joe Root top-scored with 40 runs, but lacked support as wickets tumbled regularly.
India’s all-rounder Washington Sundar delivered a pivotal spell, claiming 4 wickets for 38 runs, exploiting the variable bounce and turn offered by the Lord’s surface. Bumrah and Siraj chipped in with crucial breakthroughs to restrict England.
📝 England 2nd innings scorecard (Top scorers):
- Joe Root – 40
- Harry Brook – 23
- Ben Stokes – 33
Total: 192 all out
India’s batting collapse hands England victory
Set a target of 193 runs, India’s chase began under challenging conditions in the final session of day four. By stumps, they were already under pressure at 58/4, with only KL Rahul holding firm on 33*. The decision to send tailender Akash Deep as nightwatchman after Karun Nair’s dismissal reflected India’s intent to shield key batters for the final day.
On the fifth morning, India suffered a dramatic collapse. Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, and Nitish Reddy fell cheaply, and the set batter KL Rahul was dismissed for 39, leaving India reeling at 112/8. However, a determined partnership between Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah added 35 crucial runs, briefly reviving hopes.
When Bumrah was dismissed after a gritty 5 from 54 balls, India still needed 46 runs with only one wicket remaining. Jadeja, batting with characteristic resolve, remained unbeaten on *61, but Mohammed Siraj’s unfortunate dismissal — as a delivery from Shoaib Bashir ricocheted off his bat onto the stumps — ended India’s innings at 170 all out, falling short by 22 runs.
📝 India 2nd innings scorecard (Top scorers):
- Ravindra Jadeja – 61* (not out)
- KL Rahul – 39
- Jasprit Bumrah – 5
Total: 170 all out
Match summary & key moments
- England won by 22 runs; now lead the series 2–1.
- Joe Root’s 104 and Ben Stokes’ all-round contribution (33 runs & 3 wickets) pivotal.
- Jasprit Bumrah’s 5-wicket haul and Washington Sundar’s 4 wickets in second innings showcased India’s bowling depth.
- India’s top order failed in the chase; only Jadeja stood firm till the end.
Man of the Match: Ben Stokes
For his impactful all-round performance — a crucial 33 runs and 3 wickets — England’s skipper Ben Stokes was rightfully awarded Player of the Match.
The series now heads to Manchester, where the 4th Test will be played from July 23–27. India must win to keep the series alive, while England will aim to seal the series with a match to spare.
This thrilling Test at Lord’s, with its shared first-innings scores and nerve-wracking finish, will be remembered as one of the most captivating contests in recent India–England history. Cricket fans worldwide now eagerly await the next chapter of this gripping series.
