Bumrah’s Fifer, England’s Fightback: Lord’s Test on a Knife’s Edge.

  • July 11, 2025

The third cricket match between England and India at Lord’s commenced under sunny skies in London on July 10, 2025, with the series interestingly balanced at 1-1 following a pair of high-scoring games. England, having been victorious at the coin toss, chose to initiate the batting on a pitch anticipated to favor careful batting. The initial day witnessed Joe Root’s elegant undefeated 99 steering the hosts to 251/4 by the end of play, with Ben Stokes offering consistent backing. As the second day progressed, the story evolved significantly, with Jasprit Bumrah’s excellent bowling and a subsequent English recovery ensuring the match remained finely poised at the close of play, India trailing by 242 runs at 145/3.

Jasprit Bumrah’s stellar bowling display puts India in contention against England on Day 2

The morning session was dominated by Bumrah, whose bowling spell will be celebrated for its accuracy and consistent force. England’s pair from the previous day, Root and Stokes, resumed with determination, but Bumrah’s probing deliveries rapidly transformed the situation. Initially, he penetrated Stokes’ defenses, bowling out the centurion for a crucial 104, before shattering the stumps of Root and Harry Brook  in rapid succession. Bumrah’s distinctive style—delayed movement and subtle variations in speed—proved insurmountable for the English middle order, as he concluded with 5 wickets at the cost of 74 runs across 27 overs, also claiming the wickets of Chris Woakes and Jofra Archer to conclude the tail.

England’s innings, which at one stage seemed destined for a total exceeding 400, was restrained by Bumrah’s penetrating spells. Only Root’s century and valuable contributions from Jamie Smith (51) and Brydon Carse (56) ensured the hosts attained a competitive 387. The Indian bowler’s showing was a demonstration in versatility, leveraging the Lord’s slope and the Dukes ball to achieve a devastating outcome, and reaffirming his standing as a top-tier Test bowler worldwide.

KL Rahul’s composed innings and England’s strong finish leave the Lord’s Test in a delicate balance

India’s response commenced tentatively, losing Yashasvi Jaiswal early to a sharp delivery from Archer. Nevertheless, KL Rahul and Karun Nair stabilized the innings, forging a vital 61-run partnership. Nair, smooth on the off-side, put together a quick 40 before Stokes disrupted the partnership with a clever piece of bowling. Shubman Gill, skippering the side, fell cheaply to Chris Woakes, leaving India at 107/3 and England sensing an opportunity.

Despite the challenges, Rahul’s composure under pressure was notable. He achieved a measured half-century, supporting the innings along with Rishabh Pant, who played a characteristically aggressive innings late in the day. However, England’s bowlers, steered by Archer and Stokes, upheld consistent discipline, capitalizing on the conditions and an energetic seam. The late wickets ensured the visiting side could not dominate the session, concluding with India at 145/3 at the close of play, still behind by 242 runs.

Also WATCH: Jofra Archer stages strong return with an excellent ball to dismiss Yashasvi Jaiswal on Day 2 of Lord’s Test

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Also see: ENG versus IND: Stuart Broad criticizes Dukes ball amid debate during Day 2 of Lord’s Test

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