The fourth day of the third Test between England and India at Lord’s on July 13, 2025, was a rollercoaster of emotions, encapsulating the essence of Test cricket’s unpredictability. With the series level at 1-1, both teams knew the outcome of this match could shift the momentum for the remaining Tests. Under partly cloudy skies, the hallowed turf of Lord’s buzzed with anticipation as the crowd settled in for a day that promised twists and turns.
As the players took to the field, the atmosphere was electric, with the iconic Lord’s pavilion standing witness to a battle of skill and nerve. The pitch, offering variable bounce and occasional seam movement, tested the resolve of batsmen and bowlers alike. Day 4 delivered a spectacle that saw England’s second innings collapse under India’s spin assault, followed by India’s top order crumbling, setting up a thrilling finale for the final day.
England’s Batting: A Tale of Resistance and Collapse
England began their second innings with a slender lead, aiming to set a challenging target. Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett started cautiously, but Duckett’s aggressive intent led to his downfall for 12 off 12 balls, nicking a wayward delivery from Siraj to Bumrah. Ollie Pope followed, scoring just 4 off 17 balls before Mohammed Siraj trapped him lbw, a decision confirmed by review as the ball was shown to clip the top of middle stump.
Zak Crawley, battling a lean patch in the series, showed glimpses of form with 22 off 49 balls, including three boundaries. However, his frenetic approach against Akash Deep led to his dismissal, caught by Yashasvi Jaiswal at slip off Reddy’s bowling. At 50 for 3, England was in trouble, and the responsibility fell on Joe Root and Harry Brook to rebuild.
Brook, known for his attacking flair, counterattacked with a brisk 23 off 19 balls, smashing four fours and a six. His aggressive approach briefly shifted momentum, but Akash Deep ended his cameo with a stunning delivery that flattened his middle stump, leaving England at 87 for 4. This brought captain Ben Stokes to the crease, joining Joe Root in a crucial 67-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Root, the linchpin of England’s batting, played with characteristic composure, scoring 40 off 96 balls. His patient approach, punctuated by precise drives, frustrated India’s bowlers. Stokes, adopting a more defensive stance, contributed 33 off 96 balls, grinding out runs to build England’s lead. Just as the partnership threatened to take the game away, Washington Sundar struck, deceiving Root with a flighted delivery that spun past his defense and clipped the bails, silencing the Lord’s crowd.
Sundar continued his dream spell, dismissing Jamie Smith for 8, bowled by a sharp-turning delivery, and later removing Stokes, also bowled, as England’s middle order crumbled. The lower order offered little resistance, with Chris Woakes managing 10 off 33 balls before falling to Jasprit Bumrah. Sundar completed his four-wicket haul by bowling Shoaib Bashir for 2, as England was bundled out for 192 in 62.1 overs, setting India a target of 193.
India’s Bowling: Sundar’s Spin and Pace Precision
India’s bowling attack was relentless, with Washington Sundar emerging as the hero. His 4 for 22 in 12.1 overs was a masterclass in spin bowling, as he extracted turn and bounce from the Lord’s pitch. His dismissals of Root, Smith, Stokes, and Bashir were pivotal, breaking England’s resistance and triggering a collapse. Sundar’s celebration after dismissing Root—a raised arm and a beaming smile—ignited the Indian contingent in the stands, reflecting the significance of the wicket.
Jasprit Bumrah, though not at his wicket-taking best, bowled a spellbinding spell (2 for 38), unsettling Crawley early with his pace and movement. His dismissals of Carse and Woakes, both bowled, showcased his ability to deliver under pressure. Mohammed Siraj complemented Bumrah with 2 for 31, striking early to remove Duckett and Pope, his review for Pope’s wicket proving decisive.
Nitish Kumar Reddy, in his debut series, made an impact with 2 wickets, including Crawley’s prized scalp, while Akash Deep’s dismissal of Brook was a turning point. Ravindra Jadeja, though wicketless (0 for 20), maintained pressure with tight lines. The Indian bowlers’ collective effort, marked by high-fives and animated celebrations, ensured England’s lead remained within reach.
India’s Batting: Early Wickets and Rahul’s Resilience
India’s chase of 193 began under challenging conditions, with the ball swinging under overcast skies. Jofra Archer struck in the second over, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal for a duck, caught by Jamie Smith after a tentative prod. The early loss sent a ripple of concern through the Indian dressing room, but KL Rahul and Karun Nair steadied the innings with a 36-run partnership.
Nair, playing with caution, scored 14 off 33 balls before Brydon Carse trapped him lbw. Shubman Gill, India’s captain, walked in with high expectations but fell to Carse for 6, also lbw, as India slumped to 53 for 3. In a tactical move, India sent Akash Deep as a nightwatchman to protect the main batsmen in the fading light. However, Ben Stokes delivered a dramatic blow, bowling Deep for 1 with a searing yorker on the last ball of the day, sending the Lord’s crowd into raptures.
KL Rahul, unbeaten on 33 off 47 balls, remained India’s beacon of hope. KL Rahul’s elegant drives and composed demeanor, despite a dropped catch by Chris Woakes when he was on 5, kept India in the fight. The miss by Woakes, who failed to hold a straightforward chance in his follow-through, drew groans from the English fielders, as KL Rahul capitalized with back-to-back boundaries.
England’s Bowling: Brydon Carse & Ben Stokes Turn the Tide
England’s bowlers seized the initiative in India’s chase, with Brydon Carse leading the charge. His 2 for 11 in 4 overs, including the lbw dismissals of Nair and Gill, showcased his ability to hit consistent lengths on a helpful pitch. Carse’s fiery spell, coupled with his animated celebrations, energized the English fielders and the crowd.
Jofra Archer set the tone with Jaiswal’s early dismissal, his pace troubling the Indian openers. Ben Stokes, leading from the front, delivered the final blow of the day, uprooting Akash Deep’s stumps with a pinpoint yorker. Chris Woakes, despite his dropped catch of KL Rahul, bowled tightly but couldn’t break through. England’s disciplined bowling, backed by vocal support from the stands, left India reeling at stumps.
Looking Ahead to Day 5
As the match heads into its final day on July 14, 2025, it hangs in the balance. India needs 135 runs to secure a 2-1 series lead, with KL Rahul’s form and the lower order’s resilience being key. The pitch, showing signs of wear, may offer turn for England’s spinners, while the pace trio of Archer, Carse, and Stokes will look to exploit any early movement.
England, needing six wickets, will rely on their bowlers to maintain pressure. The clear weather forecast suggests batting conditions may improve, but the variable bounce could pose challenges. With both teams poised for victory, the final day at Lord’s promises a fitting climax to this enthralling Test.
Also Read: ENG vs IND: Washington Sundar’s 4/22 Outshines England’s Batting Might