The third Check between England and India at Lord’s has delivered a gripping contest, residing as much as the storied rivalry and the historic venue’s repute. With the five-match collection locked at 1-1, each groups arrived in London figuring out the stakes had been immense. England, determined to bounce again after a heavy defeat within the earlier Check, welcomed again Jofra Archer—his return including an additional layer of intrigue and firepower to the hosts’ assault. After either side posted an identical first-innings totals of 387, the match entered a nail-biting last day with India set a goal of 193 and England needing fast wickets to seal the sport.
Jofra Archer grabs a blinder to dismiss Washington Sundar
The defining second of Day 5—and maybe the match—got here courtesy of Archer’s extraordinary athleticism. With India reeling at 81/6 of their chase, Archer steamed in for his eighth over. Delivering a full-length ball that tailed into Washington Sundar’s toes, Archer induced a vanguard as Sundar tried a flick. The ball looped tantalizingly within the air, however what adopted was pure sporting theatre: Archer, following by means of on his supply, dived low and snatched a one-handed catch inches from the turf, tumbling and rolling however by no means shedding grip on the ball. The Lord’s crowd erupted as Archer’s teammates swarmed him, recognizing the sheer brilliance of the second.
Sundar, dismissed for a four-ball duck, may solely watch as Archer’s intervention despatched India additional into disaster at 82/7. The catch was not only a show of uncooked athleticism but in addition a testomony to Archer’s sharp reflexes and dedication—qualities which have made his long-awaited return so impactful. With figures of three for 40, Archer’s spell was pivotal in dismantling India’s resistance and shifting momentum firmly in England’s favour.
Right here’s the video:
You can’t do this Jofra Archer!
Out of this world 😱 pic.twitter.com/mGNpgKPphl
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 14, 2025
Additionally WATCH: Jofra Archer roars in celebration after shattering Rishabh Pant’s off-stump on Day 5 of Lord’s Check
England closing in on an epic win towards India
Archer’s blinder was the exclamation level on a relentless English bowling efficiency. Earlier, England’s first-innings 387 had been constructed round Joe Root’s composed century and worthwhile contributions from Ben Stokes, Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse. India matched that complete because of KL Rahul’s hundred and strong middle-order assist, establishing a uncommon degree pegging after two innings.
Of their second dig, England managed 192, with Sundar starring for India with a four-wicket haul that briefly swung the pendulum. However chasing 193 on a carrying Lord’s pitch, India discovered themselves beneath siege. Archer struck early, eradicating Yashasvi Jaiswal for a duck, after which accounted for the harmful Rishabh Pant. Stokes and Carse chipped in, nevertheless it was Archer’s relentless hostility and the jaw-dropping catch to dismiss Sundar that broke India’s again.
India nonetheless want over 80 runs with solely three wickets in hand. England, fueled by Archer’s X-factor and a charged-up assault, stand on the cusp of a well-known Lord’s victory, whereas India’s hopes relaxation on a miracle from the tail.
Additionally WATCH: Go on, throw it! – Akash Deep dares Brydon Carse in explosive face-off on Day 4 of Lord’s Check