England vs India Test: Epic Comeback Sparks Stunning Momentum Shift at Lord’s – 7 Key Moments
The England vs India Test series continues to capture the imagination of cricket lovers around the world, especially with the enthralling drama unfolding at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. Both teams have shown resilience, skill, and moments of individual brilliance, making this clash not just a series, but a spectacle of modern-day Test cricket.
The third match of this five-Test series brings back two of the game’s most exciting fast bowlers — Jasprit Bumrah for India and Jofra Archer for England. With both sides locked at one victory apiece, the pressure is immense and the expectations even higher.
India’s Resurgence After Headingley Shock
After suffering a shocking collapse at Headingley, where they lost a seemingly unlosable Test match, India bounced back with grit and determination at Edgbaston. A masterful display of batting from Shubman Gill, who scored a colossal 269, helped India secure a massive 336-run victory. This dominant performance handed India the momentum ahead of the critical Lord’s Test.
The focus keyword England vs India Test continues to trend as fans around the world follow every session with bated breath. India’s seamers, particularly Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj, showcased their class by exploiting the new Dukes ball effectively, forcing England to register six ducks in a single innings.
Shubman Gill’s Redemption Arc
Before this series, many questioned Shubman Gill’s overseas record, but the India captain has silenced critics with a series tally of 585 runs at an astonishing average of 146.25. With three centuries already, he is just 18 runs away from surpassing Rahul Dravid’s record for the most runs by an Indian in a single Test series in England.
Gill’s mature innings at Edgbaston, where he controlled 93% of his shots over a 386-ball marathon, was a statement of intent. His ability to remain unfazed under pressure will be vital in the third Test.
Return of Bumrah and Archer Adds Fire to the Battle
The England vs India Test is set for another explosive chapter as Jasprit Bumrah returns from rest, ready to spearhead India’s bowling attack. At Headingley, Bumrah struck in each of his first three spells and remains the most potent weapon in India’s bowling arsenal.
England, on the other hand, welcomes Jofra Archer back to Test cricket after over four years. Known for his fiery spell at Lord’s in the 2019 Ashes where he concussed Steven Smith, Archer is expected to bring precision and aggression. His presence could change the dynamic of the English bowling attack.
Despite having played just 13 Tests prior to this one, Archer’s return has generated enormous excitement and renewed hope for England.
Team Changes and Tactics
England have made only one change: Archer replaces Josh Tongue, who had an impressive run with 11 wickets but required rest. Their top order remains unchanged, with Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Joe Root anchoring the innings.
India, meanwhile, are likely to persist with Karun Nair at No. 3, a bold move in a high-stakes match. Bumrah is expected to replace Prasidh Krishna, who had a tough outing in the first two matches.
India may once again leave out wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav in favor of the dependable Washington Sundar, who delivered with the bat in the first innings at Edgbaston.
Pitch Report and Conditions
The Lord’s pitch retains a green top and is expected to favor seamers early on. Overhead conditions are expected to play a vital role, particularly on the first morning. This makes the toss and opening spells by the fast bowlers even more significant.
Ben Stokes and the English team continue to favor the “chase-first” mentality, regardless of recent fourth-innings collapses. The England vs India Test series under the Bazball regime has produced dramatic results, and neither side is expected to back down.
Milestones and Stats to Watch
- Joe Root needs just 45 runs to become the first player to score 3000 runs against India in Test cricket.
- Chris Woakes has a phenomenal record at Lord’s: 32 wickets at 12.90 and 340 runs at 42.50.
- India have won only 3 out of 19 Tests at Lord’s, but crucially, two of those came in their last three visits.
As the action unfolds, the England vs India Test promises to deliver another classic chapter in cricket’s fiercest modern rivalry. Whether it’s Gill’s blazing bat, Bumrah’s searing yorkers, or Archer’s fiery comeback, every ball could swing the match and the series.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the current scoreline in the England vs India Test series?
The series is currently tied 1-1 after two Tests. - Who is returning for India and England in the third Test?
Jasprit Bumrah returns for India; Jofra Archer returns for England. - What was Shubman Gill’s highest score in the series so far?
269 runs at Edgbaston. - How many wickets did Akash Deep and Siraj take together at Edgbaston?
They shared 17 wickets. - Where is the third Test being played?
At Lord’s Cricket Ground, London. - Who holds the record for most runs by an Indian in a Test series in England?
Rahul Dravid with 602 runs (Gill is just 18 away from breaking it). - Who is leading the wicket tally in the series?
Josh Tongue with 11 wickets, although he is rested for this Test. - What is Chris Woakes’ record at Lord’s?
32 wickets at 12.90 and one century with the bat. - How many ducks did England score in their first innings at Edgbaston?
Six ducks. - Has Jofra Archer played Tests since 2021?
No, this is his first Test in over four years.
External Reference Links:
- ESPN Cricinfo – England vs India
- BBC Sport – Cricket News
- India Today – Sports Section
- The Guardian – Cricket
- Wisden – Match Analysis
Five Breaking News Headlines
- Gill Nears Dravid’s Record in Style
- Jofra Archer Returns After 1595 Days
- Bumrah’s Comeback Set to Shake Lord’s
- India Dominate as England Falter Again
- Bazball Strategy Faces Lord’s Litmus Test