“England Leads, India Bleeds – 2-1 Down, Time Ticking Before the Fourth Test!”
Grit, criticism, and game-changing decisions—everything’s on the line.
England Edge India in Lord’s Thriller, Take 2-1 Series Lead as Gavaskar Tears into Team India
Published: July 15, 2025
London — What a nail-biter at Lord’s! England pulled off a stunning 22-run victory over India in the third Test, grabbing a 2-1 lead in the five-match series and leaving Indian fans reeling. The iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground was electric as England’s bowlers held their nerve to defend a modest 193-run target, exposing cracks in India’s batting lineup. Meanwhile, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar didn’t hold back, slamming India’s lackluster performance and demanding a serious rethink ahead of the crucial fourth Test.
England’s Gritty Win Steals the Show
On a lively Lord’s pitch with pace and bounce, England’s bowlers, led by Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer (three wickets each), turned the screws on India. Despite a heroic unbeaten 61 from Ravindra Jadeja, India crumbled to 170 in 74.5 overs, falling short by just 22 runs. The visitors started Day 5 needing 135 with six wickets in hand, but early losses of Rishabh Pant (9), KL Rahul (39), and Washington Sundar (0) in the first hour derailed their chase. Jadeja’s defiant knock, paired with a gritty lower-order fight, kept India in the hunt, but Shoaib Bashir sealed the deal for England, despite nursing a broken finger.
The victory wasn’t without cost for England. Bashir’s injury has ruled him out for the series, prompting the team to call up veteran spinner Liam Dawson for the fourth Test at Old Trafford on July 23. Dawson’s experience and handy lower-order batting could give England an edge as they aim to clinch the series.
Gavaskar’s Fiery Critique: “Not Test Class”
Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar was in no mood to sugarcoat things. From the commentary box, he tore into India’s performance, pointing to their inability to forge partnerships and capitalize on key moments. “This isn’t about talent—India has plenty. It’s about temperament and application in pressure moments,” Gavaskar fumed on Sony Sports. “You don’t win Test matches in England by just showing up. You have to fight harder, think smarter.”sports.ndtv.com
Gavaskar also raised eyebrows with his sharp criticism of the Decision Review System (DRS), particularly after KL Rahul’s controversial LBW dismissal to Stokes, which showed three reds on Hawk-Eye despite an initial not-out call. “I’m questioning the technology,” he said, hinting at a possible conspiracy after multiple DRS calls went against India. He also blasted India’s fielding lapses earlier in the series, calling them “not Test class,” and urged the team to ditch optional practice sessions and get serious.sports.ndtv.comsports.ndtv.com
India’s Struggles: Where It Went Wrong
India’s chase of 193 looked doable, but their top order faltered under pressure. Yashasvi Jaiswal (0) fell to a reckless pull shot off Archer, while Shubman Gill (6) was trapped LBW by Brydon Carse, a call that sparked debate over umpire Paul Reiffel’s decision-making. The lack of a solid batting partnership—Gavaskar noted a “60-70 run stand could have changed the game”—proved fatal.indiatoday.insports.ndtv.com
The match wasn’t without controversy. On Day 2, Gill and Mohammed Siraj clashed with umpires over the poor quality of the Dukes ball, which Gavaskar called “like a 20-over-old ball” after just 10 overs. He also slammed England’s “bodyline” tactics on Day 3, with seven fielders on the leg side, calling it “not cricket at all” and urging ICC’s Sourav Ganguly to intervene.sports.ndtv.comcrictracker.com
What’s Next for India and England?
With England now leading 2-1, the pressure is on India to regroup for the fourth Test at Old Trafford. The series, part of the World Test Championship 2025-27, is critical for India’s standings and morale. Their batting collapses, ineffective new-ball bowling, and questionable team selections—like sticking with underperforming players—need urgent fixes.sports.ndtv.com
England, buoyed by their Lord’s heroics, will lean on Stokes’ leadership and Archer’s fiery return. Dawson’s inclusion adds spin depth, especially on a potentially turning Manchester pitch. But India’s fightback in Edgbaston, where they won by 336 runs, shows they’re capable of bouncing back.theguardian.comespncricinfo.com
Why This Series Is a Big Deal
This isn’t just about bragging rights. The Anderson-Gavaskar Trophy is a high-stakes battle, with both teams vying for World Test Championship points. India’s young squad, led by new captain Shubman Gill, faces a defining moment in the post-Kohli-Rohit era. For England, it’s a chance to cement their “Bazball” legacy on home soil.timesofindia.indiatimes.com
The fourth Test is a must-win for India to level the series. Can they channel Jadeja’s grit and silence Gavaskar’s critiques? Or will England’s momentum carry them to a series-clinching victory? Cricket fans are in for a blockbuster at Old Trafford.
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