The third Test between India and England at Lord’s has reached a thrilling climax. On the final day, India require 135 more runs to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Meanwhile, England need six wickets to claim a vital win.

Team India, led by Shubman Gill, has shown resilience but faces a stiff challenge. The pitch conditions on Day 5 are expected to worsen, making batting tougher than ever.

Stakes Are High for Both Teams

If India chase down the target, they will grab a commanding series lead. This would also mark a crucial moment in Gill’s captaincy journey.

The highest successful chase at Lord’s remains 344 runs. Although the current target is smaller, the Day 5 pitch at Lord’s is expected to deteriorate.

KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant Hold the Key

At stumps on Day 4, India were still 135 runs away with six wickets remaining. KL Rahul, unbeaten on 33, is once again central to India’s hopes. He scored a century in the first innings and looks poised for another match-saving knock.

Rishabh Pant, at the other end, also has a golden chance to re-establish his match-winner status. His aggressive strokeplay could change the tide, but England’s bowlers won’t make it easy.

Indian Bowlers Dominated Day 4

India’s fightback was fueled by exceptional bowling on Day 4. Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Washington Sundar were outstanding, taking key wickets in crucial phases.

• Siraj took 2 wickets for 11 runs in a fiery morning spell.

• Akash Deep rattled the stumps with sheer pace and discipline.

• Nitish Reddy, the young all-rounder, chipped in with important breakthroughs.

• Washington Sundar dismissed key batters like Joe Root and Ben Stokes.

Siraj was especially dangerous from the Nursery End, where uneven bounce made life tough for the batters.

Intense On-Field Moments and Verbal Exchanges

Siraj’s passion was on full display during Day 4. He dismissed Ben Duckett and exchanged a fiery stare, even shouldering him slightly during celebration. He followed it up with a crucial wicket of Ollie Pope.

India had to use DRS to get Pope out, but it proved decisive.

Jasprit Bumrah’s Mixed Day

Jasprit Bumrah had a luckless morning spell but returned to claim two late wickets. He bowled probing lengths that beat the edge often but without reward early on.

His afternoon effort, however, paid off. Despite his stats, Bumrah bowled like a spearhead, extracting bounce and movement even from lifeless patches.

In his first spell alone, England batters played 11 false shots—nine from Crawley alone.

Nitish Reddy Makes Impact Again

Captain Gill replaced Bumrah with Nitish Reddy, and it paid off quickly. Reddy, who took two wickets in the first innings, once again dismissed Crawley.

Reddy bowled a teasing delivery outside off, inducing a drive. Yashasvi Jaiswal, stationed in the slips, took a sharp catch to send Crawley back.

Akash Deep Dismantles Harry Brook

Harry Brook went after Akash Deep early on, hitting him for two ramp shots and a six. But Deep kept attacking the stumps and bowled Brook with a perfect delivery.

Brook misjudged a sweep and lost his middle stump. Akash’s persistence paid off.

Root and Stokes Tried to Stabilize

England had lost four wickets by lunch with just 87 on the board. Joe Root and Ben Stokes added 67 valuable runs for the fifth wicket.

They looked to regain control, but the Indian spin duo dismantled the tail soon after.

Washington Sundar Silences Critics with 4 Wickets

Many questioned Sundar’s selection ahead of Kuldeep Yadav, but he delivered under pressure. The spinner picked up four wickets—Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jamie Smith, and Shoaib Bashir—all bowled.

Sundar’s accuracy and subtle variation troubled England’s lower middle order. He cleaned up the tail with precision as England collapsed, losing their last four wickets for just 11 runs.

England’s 2nd Innings Total: 192

England managed only 192 in their second innings, leaving India a target of 236. Considering the pitch behavior and bowling attack, it won’t be easy.

However, the Indian lineup has depth, and if the middle-order stands tall, history could be made.

What’s at Stake in This Match?

With the series locked at 1-1, the third Test at Lord’s could be the defining game. If India pull off the chase, they will move into the final two Tests with momentum.

Shubman Gill’s captaincy will also gain weight, proving he can lead in tough English conditions. A win here may be remembered as the moment a new era began in Indian cricket.

For England, the path to victory is simple—take six wickets early on Day 5. However, deteriorating conditions and India’s resilience make that task daunting.

Match Summary So Far

• India’s 1st innings: Strong knocks by Rahul and Gill

• England’s 1st innings: Root scored 91, but tail collapsed

• India’s Bowling Heroes: Siraj, Sundar, Akash Deep, Reddy

• Target for India: 236

• India at Stumps Day 4: 101/4, needing 135 more runs

What to Expect on Day 5?

Day 5 will be a battle of nerves and skills.

• Will Rahul hold the fort again?

• Can Pant counterattack?

• Will Siraj or Bumrah return to seal the deal if needed with the bat?

The pitch is dry, cracked, and offering variable bounce. Spinners may also come into play. The first hour will be key. If Rahul and Pant survive, India could pull off a famous chase.

This Lord’s Test is already among the most thrilling contests in recent Test history. Both teams have shown heart and fight.

Whether it’s India’s balanced bowling attack or England’s aggressive fielding, the Test has been a showcase of cricket’s beauty.

As fans await the final day, one thing is certain—Test cricket is very much alive.