The third Test of the England vs India series at Lord’s (July 10–14, 2025) is evolving into a riveting contest following dramatic action over the first two days.
India’s Bowling Firepower & England’s Resilience
India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah led the bowling charge on Day 2, delivering a spectacular spell of 5 for 74 that included the prized wicket of Joe Root (104) and reduced England to 271/7. This dominant performance reinforced Bumrah’s reputation as one of the game’s most threatening fast bowlers.
However, England’s lower order refused to collapse. Brydon Carse (56) and rising star Jamie Smith (51 not out) added a gritty 84-run partnership, ultimately lifting England to 387 all out. Their stand underscored the importance of depth in Test batting, especially on testing Lord’s pitches.
Third Test Fun: Ladybird Pause
On Day 1, play was briefly halted when a swarm of ladybirds descended on the pitch—momentarily disrupting proceedings and eliciting amused commentary from fans and players alike The Sun. Yet, cricket resumed swiftly as England ended the day at 251/4, with Joe Root unbeaten on 99.
Archer’s Return
England received a morale boost with the return of Jofra Archer—his first Test appearance since 2021—who claimed a wicket by dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal. Archer’s resurgence adds a fresh dimension to England’s attack, injecting pace and precision.
Current State of Play
At the close of Day 2, the scoreboard showed:
| Team | Score | Runs Ahead/Behind |
|---|---|---|
| England | 387 all out | — |
| India | 145/3 | Trail by 242 |
India finds itself trailing by 242 runs, with KL Rahul anchoring the innings at the crease. The match is finely poised, with both sides enjoying moments of ascendancy.
What to Watch for on Day 3
- India’s response: Will Rahul and co. push the lead to a defendable total?
- Archer’s impact: Can England’s returning quick continue to trouble Indian batters?
- Momentum shift: With everything still up for grabs, the third day could tilt the contest decisively.
In summary, Bumrah reasserted India’s bowling dominance, England’s tail wagged back, and Archer’s return adds intrigue to an evenly poised Test at the Home of Cricket.
