India vs England 3rd Test Match Review 2025:

Day 1: Bumrah’s 5-Wicket Burst Puts India on Top

England won the toss and chose to bat first under slightly overcast skies.

The conditions at Lord’s were perfect for seam bowling, and Jasprit Bumrah made the most of it.

The ace Indian pacer tore through England’s top order with sheer pace and movement. Bumrah picked up a brilliant five-wicket haul (5/38), rattling England and giving India early dominance.

However, the first day wasn’t without controversy. The Duke ball, which is traditionally known for its durability and swing, became soft and deformed within just 15 to 20 overs.

A ball that should last 80 overs had to be replaced multiple times.

This raised questions about the ball’s quality and manufacturing standards.

India had to request several ball changes, which slightly disrupted their bowling momentum.

Joe Root’s Century Brings England Back

England needed a calm head, and Joe Root delivered exactly that. Amidst the chaos of falling wickets, Root showcased why he’s one of the finest Test batters in the world.

He scored a classy 104, holding the innings together. Root played with soft hands, picked gaps smartly, and used his experience to anchor England to a competitive first innings total of 387.

His century turned out to be the backbone of England’s innings, ensuring that the team didn’t collapse completely after Bumrah’s early destruction.

India’s Reply: KL Rahul’s Century Steals the Spotlight

India responded strongly, thanks to a sublime century from KL Rahul. The stylish opener looked at ease from ball one.

He combined fluent drives with a solid defence to frustrate the English bowlers.

Rahul reached his hundred with a flick off the pads—a shot that reflected his authority at the crease.

His knock of 100 gave India a strong foundation and brought them close to England’s total.

Jadeja & Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Crucial 72-Run Stand

After Rahul’s dismissal, India found themselves in a bit of trouble.

England had picked up quick wickets, and the middle order was looking shaky.

That’s when Ravindra Jadeja and young Nitish Kumar Reddy stepped up.

Their 72-run partnership for the sixth wicket was vital.

Jadeja played a composed yet attacking innings, while Reddy showed impressive maturity for a newcomer.

Together, they countered England’s bowling with calm determination.

This partnership helped India edge past England’s total, finishing at 289 with a slim 13-run lead.

Ravindra Jadeja’s Extraordinary Knock

If there was one performance that captured India’s fighting spirit, it was Ravindra Jadeja’s.

His 72-run knock was filled with grit, stroke-play, and smart decision-making.

Jadeja held the tail together and scored runs when others couldn’t.

He switched gears when needed and rotated the strike effectively.

On a pitch that was challenging to bat on, his innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression.

This wasn’t just a good knock—it was an extraordinary one that nearly changed the course of the game.

Ball Change Controversy: A Match Disruption

Throughout the match, the quality of the Duke ball became a serious issue. The ball lost shape and softened far too early—sometimes in as little as 15 overs.

India requested three different ball changes in the first innings alone. It not only interrupted the bowling rhythm but also raised concerns among players and experts about equipment standards in a high-stakes series like this.

England’s Second Innings Stumbles Under Pressure

England’s second innings began on the back foot. India’s bowlers struck early, removing four top-order batters cheaply. Mohammed Siraj and Bumrah were relentless with the new ball.

At one stage, England were reduced to 87/4. A few quick partnerships took them to 192, giving India a target of 193 to chase—a tricky one on a worn-out pitch.

Washington Sundar Spins a Web

One of the unsung heroes of the match was Washington Sundar. He bowled with tight lines and used the rough patches cleverly to dismiss key English batters.

In the second innings, Sundar picked up 4 wickets and bowled economically. His spell didn’t just restrict runs—it broke the backbone of England’s lower order.

Sundar’s performance reminded everyone of his potential as a dependable all-rounder in overseas conditions.

Ben Stokes, the Game-Changer

Ben Stokes once again stepped up with the ball. His tight line, movement, and clever variations fetched him 2 more wickets in the second innings, taking his match tally to 5 wickets.

He dismissed key batters and broke India’s back in the chase.

With 73 runs and 5 wickets, Stokes was rightfully awarded Player of the Match.

Final Day: England Hold Their Nerve

Chasing 193 on the final day was never going to be easy. The pitch had variable bounce, and England’s bowlers were fired up.

India got off to a poor start, losing 4 wickets early. Despite another gritty effort from Jadeja and a cameo by Nitish Kumar Reddy, the team couldn’t recover fully. The pressure of the chase mounted, and India were bowled out for 170.

England won the 3rd Test by 22 runs, taking a 2-1 lead in the series.

Match Summary – Key Performers

Top Performers (1st Innings)

For more information, click here.

Key Takeaways

• England won the 3rd Test by 22 runs and now leads the series 2-1.
• Jasprit Bumrah’s 5-wicket haul gave India early control.
• Joe Root and KL Rahul both scored match-defining centuries.
• Ravindra Jadeja’s 72 and 61 were his finest Test knocks abroad.
• Duke ball issues dominated the discussion with early ball changes.

Conclusion

The 3rd Test at Lord’s was a true classic. England came out victorious, but India’s never-give-up attitude made it one of the best Tests of the year. From Bumrah’s deadly spell to Jadeja’s heroic innings, the match had everything.

Questions about the Duke ball’s quality will linger, but what remains unquestioned is the sheer quality of cricket on display.

With the series now in England’s favour, the stage is set for a fiery 4th Test. Can India bounce back?