13 July,2025 09:39 PM IST | London | mid-day online correspondent
Photo: BCCI
India are on the cusp of a historic win at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground after dismissing England for 192 in their second innings on Day 4 of the ongoing third Test. With both teams having scored 387 in their respective first innings, the match remained perfectly balanced until the Indian bowlers seized control in the morning session.
Spin played a pivotal role for India on Day 4 of the third Test at Lord's, with Washington Sundar emerging as the unexpected hero. The off-spinner delivered a game-changing spell, dismantling England's middle-order with key wickets at crucial junctures.
Sundar claimed the prized scalp of former captain Joe Root, broke the back of England's resistance by removing Ben Stokes, and later dismissed Jamie Smith to further dent the hosts' innings.
Supporting Sundar's effort was a collective pace attack that kept England constantly under pressure. Mohammed Siraj was his fiery self, Akash Deep bowled with sharp discipline, and Jasprit Bumrah chipped in with trademark hostility. Nitish Kumar Reddy also made an impact, ensuring there was no respite for England at any stage of their second innings.
Historically, India's highest successful run chase at Lord's came back in June 1986, when they chased down 134 under the captaincy of Kapil Dev. Should India manage to chase down the 193 this time around, it would not only set a new record for the team at this venue but also put them 2-1 ahead in the five-match series with two Tests remaining.
The match has already witnessed several momentum shifts, from both sides posting identical first-innings totals to the intensity that marked Day 3's on-field confrontations. However, it is India who now hold the advantage going into the final innings.
The chase will not be straightforward. The Lord's surface, though not heavily worn, has enough in it for the seamers, and the weather conditions are expected to remain cloudy, offering swing and movement to the English bowlers.
India's top order will need to stay composed and avoid early setbacks if they are to mount a successful chase. With the in-form Yashasvi Jaiswal and a resolute middle order, the visitors have the batting firepower to achieve the target, provided they can handle the pressure and the conditions.
