The India vs England Test series is heating up—and now it’s headed to the most iconic venue in cricket: Lord’s Cricket Ground. The third Test begins Wednesday, July 10, and with India leading the series 1–0, this match could decide the fate of the summer.
Whether it’s the possible return of Jofra Archer, the rise of Shoaib Bashir, or the irresistible form of Shubman Gill, this Test has all the ingredients of a classic. For England, it’s win or bust. For India, it’s a chance to make history.
🏟️ Match Details
- Match: 3rd Test – England vs India
- Dates: July 10–14, 2025
- Time: 11:00 AM BST daily
- Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
- Coverage: Sky Sports Cricket, BBC 5 Live Sports Extra
📊 Series Recap
- 🏏 1st Test – Drawn (Rain-affected)
- 🏏 2nd Test (Edgbaston) – India won by 336 runs
- 📉 England: winless in their last 3 Tests
- 📈 India: unbeaten in 6 consecutive away Tests
India lead the series 1–0 and need just one more win to seal a historic series victory on English soil.
🔁 England’s Probable XI
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| Captain | Ben Stokes |
| Openers | Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett |
| Middle Order | Joe Root, Ollie Pope, Jonny Bairstow |
| All-rounder | Ben Stokes |
| Wicket-keeper | Ben Foakes |
| Spinners | Shoaib Bashir |
| Fast Bowlers | Jofra Archer*, James Anderson, Gus Atkinson* |
📝 *Subject to fitness clearance
🧨 What’s New for England?
🔥 Jofra Archer – The Possible Game-Changer
Archer could return to Test cricket after years of injury setbacks. Known for sheer pace and control, he could be the answer to England’s lacklustre bowling display at Edgbaston.
“He’s ready and hungry,” said a team source. “If he’s fit, he’s starting.”
⚡ Gus Atkinson – The Wild Card
Atkinson has been added to the squad for his express pace and bounce. He thrives on hard tracks like Lord’s and might replace Mark Wood in the XI.
🌀 Shoaib Bashir – England’s Spin Hope
Despite the loss, the 20-year-old spinner took a five-for at Edgbaston, impressing coaches and teammates alike.
“He bowls with confidence beyond his years,” said Ben Stokes.
🇮🇳 India: Cohesion & Class
India are unlikely to change a winning combination. With a settled top order and world-class attack, they’ve looked dominant so far.
💥 Key Players:
- Shubman Gill – 153 at Edgbaston; in sublime touch
- Jasprit Bumrah – Reverse swing master, 8 wickets in the 2nd Test
- Ravichandran Ashwin – Always a threat in England, especially if the pitch turns
- Virat Kohli – Quiet so far, but Lord’s has often brought out his best
India haven’t won a Test series in England since 2007. One win here could rewrite that history.
📊 Head-to-Head at Lord’s
| Last 5 Matches at Lord’s | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2021 | India |
| 2018 | England |
| 2014 | India |
| 2011 | England |
| 2007 | Draw |
India have a better recent record at Lord’s than most non-English teams—a venue once considered a fortress for England.
🔥 Fan Fever: Lord’s Nearly Sold Out
Tickets for all five days are nearly gone. Expect a half-English, half-Indian crowd with drums, tricolor flags, and plenty of “Bharat Mata ki Jai” echoing through the stands.
Lord’s, often a reserved venue, turns into a festival of subcontinental cricket when India are in town.
🔍 Key Battles to Watch
| Match-Up | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Archer vs Gill | Fastest vs sharpest—Archer’s bounce vs Gill’s calm |
| Ashwin vs Root | Veterans lock horns—can Root reverse his record? |
| Bashir vs Kohli | Youth vs experience—can Bashir rattle the king? |
| Anderson at Lord’s | Potential farewell—magic moments expected |
🎯 What’s at Stake?
- 🟢 India win: Series sealed 2–0 with one to play
- 🟠 England win: Series levelled 1–1; decider at The Oval
- 🔵 Draw: India stay ahead, England on the edge
England haven’t lost a home Test series under Ben Stokes’ captaincy. A loss here could start serious questions about the Bazball era.
🧠 The Breadline Bulletin Prediction
If Archer plays and England’s top order delivers, expect a gritty comeback. But India’s balance and confidence make them tough to beat.
Prediction:
➡️ India 55% favourites
➡️ England 40% (if Archer plays)
➡️ Draw 5% (weather looks clear)
