The upcoming third Test between India and England at Lord’s is crucial, with the five-match series currently tied 1-1. After a narrow loss in the first match, India responded strongly in the second Test, securing a dominant 336-run victory.
Shubman Gill played a key role with the bat, and Akash Deep impressed while stepping in for Jasprit Bumrah. The action now shifts to Lord’s, where the Indian team has a mixed record. Out of 19 Tests at the venue, India has won three, lost 12, and drawn four. However, two of those wins came in their last three visits, offering a positive sign ahead of Thursday’s match.
The First Glorious Win and MS Dhoni’s Triumph
India’s historic first win at Lord’s came in 1986, under the leadership of Kapil Dev. India chose to field first and bowled out England for 294, thanks to Graham Gooch’s 114 and a stunning spell from Chetan Sharma, who took 5/64.
This victory helped India clinch the series 2-0. The next big moment came in 2014, led by MS Dhoni. After England chose to field, Ajinkya Rahane scored a classy 103, helping India reach 295. England responded with 319, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar claiming 6/82.
India’s second innings featured key performances from Murali Vijay (95), Ravindra Jadeja (68), and Bhuvneshwar again (52), pushing the lead to 318. With a target of 319, England was dismissed for 223, thanks to Ishant Sharma’s fiery 7/74. Only Joe Root managed to score 66, while no one else crossed 40.
Kohli’s Command and the 2021 Classic
India’s most recent Lord’s win came under Virat Kohli’s aggressive leadership in the 2021-22 series. England once again opted to field, but KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma stitched a 126-run partnership, with KL delivering a masterful 129 off 250 balls.
India posted 364, while England replied with 391, led by Joe Root’s unbeaten 180. Mohammed Siraj took four wickets in that innings. In the second innings, Ajinkya Rahane scored 61, but it was the unexpected partnership between Jasprit Bumrah (34) and Mohammed Shami (56) that shocked England with an 89-run ninth-wicket stand.
India set England a target of 272. Before the final innings, Virat told his bowlers to “make England see hell out there.” India did exactly that, bowling them out for just 120. Siraj took another four, and Bumrah picked up three wickets. Now, with Shubman Gill leading the side, fans hope he can guide India to a fourth iconic win at Lord’s.
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