Match Preview: India vs England 3rd Test 2025

The India vs England 3rd Test match, part of the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship, is underway at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London from July 10–14, 2025. With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series tied at 1-1, this crucial encounter promises intense cricket action, featuring standout performances, returning stars, and dramatic moments.

Match Overview: India vs England 3rd Test at Lord’s

The third Test of the India tour of England 2025 began on July 10, with England electing to bat first after winning the toss. Played at Lord’s, known for its historic 8 ft slope and seam-friendly conditions, the match has already delivered gripping moments. India, led by Shubman Gill, is coming off a commanding 336-run victory at Edgbaston, while England, under Ben Stokes, aims to leverage home conditions to take the series lead.

Day 1 Highlights: Joe Root’s Resilience and India’s Fightback

On Day 1, England reached 251/4 in 83 overs, with Joe Root unbeaten on 99* and Ben Stokes on 39*, battling a suspected groin injury. The day saw England adopt a cautious approach, scoring at a modest 3.02 runs per over—unusual for the aggressive “Bazball” era. India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep, capitalized on early seam movement, with Nitish Kumar Reddy dismissing both openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, in a single over. Ravindra Jadeja struck post-tea, removing Ollie Pope, while Bumrah’s jaffa accounted for Harry Brook. Despite these breakthroughs, Root’s disciplined innings kept England steady.

• Key Moment: Joe Root’s 99* included his 103rd fifty-plus score, the most among active players, showcasing his dominance against India.
• Injury Concerns: Rishabh Pant, India’s vice-captain, suffered a finger injury, with Dhruv Jurel stepping in as substitute wicketkeeper. Stokes also required on-field treatment for a groin issue.

Pitch and Conditions at Lord’s

The Lord’s pitch, with its 8 ft slope, offers lateral seam movement, particularly in the first session. The strip had grass cover on the eve of the match, favoring fast bowlers like Bumrah and Jofra Archer, who returned to Test cricket after a four-year hiatus. The weather forecast predicts hot conditions, with temperatures between 17°C and 32°C and minimal rain, ensuring a full five days of play. Humidity at 84% and wind speeds of 10 km/hour could influence swing bowling.

Star Players to Watch

India

• Shubman Gill (Captain): Fresh off a record-breaking 430 runs (269 and 161) in the 2nd Test, Gill is the series’ leading run-scorer with 585 runs at 146.25. He’s 18 runs shy of surpassing Rahul Dravid’s 602-run record in England (2002).
• Jasprit Bumrah: Returning after being rested in Birmingham, Bumrah’s accuracy and wicket-taking prowess make him a game-changer. His first-innings five-for in Leeds highlighted his dominance.
• Akash Deep: The standout bowler in Edgbaston with a 10-wicket haul (6/99 in the second innings), Deep’s ability to exploit English conditions is critical.
• Ravindra Jadeja: With 2,000 runs and 100 wickets in WTC history, Jadeja’s all-round contribution, including Pope’s dismissal, is vital.

England

• Joe Root: Nearing 3,000 Test runs against India, Root’s 99* on Day 1 underscores his class. His steady batting counters India’s bowling attack.
• Ben Stokes (Captain): Despite injury concerns, Stokes’ leadership and all-round skills are pivotal. His 39* and potential bowling impact are key.
• Jofra Archer: Back after 1,595 days, Archer’s pace and accuracy add firepower to England’s attack, making his duel with Bumrah a highlight.
• Jamie Smith: England’s wicketkeeper-batter, who scored 184 in Birmingham, holds the record for the highest Test score by an English keeper (272 in the match).

Series Context: A High-Stakes Battle

The series is level at 1-1 after England’s five-wicket chase of 371 in Leeds and India’s 336-run rout in Birmingham. India’s five centuries in Leeds were overshadowed by six dropped catches and a lower-order collapse, while England’s aggressive batting faltered in Birmingham against Akash Deep’s brilliance. With three Tests remaining, both teams are vying for crucial World Test Championship points.

• Leeds (1st Test): England won by 5 wickets, chasing 371, led by Ben Duckett’s 149. India’s 835 runs included five centuries but were marred by fielding lapses.
• Birmingham (2nd Test): India’s 587 and 427/6d, powered by Gill’s 269 and 161, overwhelmed England (407 and 271), with Akash Deep’s 10/187 sealing a historic win.

Live Streaming and Telecast Details

Fans can catch the India vs England 3rd Test live on:

• TV: Sony Sports Network (Sony Sports 1, 1 HD, 3, 3 HD, 4, 4 HD, 5, 5 HD) in India, starting at 3:30 PM IST.
• Streaming: JioHotstar website and app for live coverage.

What to Expect on Day 2

Day 2 promises a battle between India’s bowlers and England’s resilient middle order. With the second new ball already taken, India will aim to dismiss Root early and exploit Stokes’ injury. England, meanwhile, will look to build a substantial first-innings total, with Root eyeing his 35th Test century. The pitch’s inconsistent bounce and seam movement could favor India’s pacers, but England’s disciplined batting may counter this.

Why This Match Matters

The 3rd Test is pivotal for both teams in the 2025–2027 WTC cycle. A win for India could cement Gill’s leadership and boost their chances of a rare series victory in England (last achieved in 2007 under Rahul Dravid). For England, a victory would restore their “Bazball” momentum and give them a 2-1 lead. The Archer-Bumrah duel, Root’s milestone chase, and Gill’s batting prowess make this a must-watch contest.

Conclusion

The India vs England 3rd Test at Lord’s is shaping up as a thrilling chapter in a fiercely contested series. With Joe Root anchoring England, Shubman Gill leading India’s charge, and bowlers like Bumrah and Archer in the spotlight, fans are in for a treat. Stay tuned for live updates, and don’t miss the action on Sony Sports or JioHotstar. Who will take the series lead? Share your predictions in the comments below!

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