LONDON, UK – Day 4 of the 3rd Test at Lord’s unfolded with all the drama and fluctuating fortunes that make Test cricket the pinnacle of the sport. What began with India’s disciplined bowling dismantling England’s batting order, ended with a dramatic counter-punch from the hosts, leaving India’s chase of 193 in tatters and setting the stage for a truly epic final day at the Home of Cricket.
India vs England 3rd Test, Day 4 Highlights
Washington Sundar’s Masterclass and England’s Batting Implosion
The day commenced with England resuming their second innings, aiming to build on their slender lead and set a challenging target. However, India’s bowlers, particularly off-spinner Washington Sundar, had other ideas. Sundar produced a spell of sublime control and subtle variations, exploiting the increasingly responsive Lord’s pitch. His figures of 4/22 were a testament to his guile, as he systematically dismantled England’s middle and lower order.
England, having looked comfortable at 154/4 with the seasoned pair of Joe Root (40) and Ben Stokes (33) at the crease, suffered a dramatic collapse. Root, attempting a sweep shot, was bowled through his legs by a beauty from Sundar. Stokes, usually the aggressor, then misjudged a slog-sweep and saw his stumps shattered, prompting a visible show of frustration from the England captain.
These two key wickets, falling within 20 runs of each other, initiated a spectacular downfall. Jasprit Bumrah, with his searing pace and pinpoint accuracy, chipped in with two crucial wickets, including a brutal yorker to Brydon Carse and a peach to dismiss Chris Woakes.
Mohammed Siraj, relentless as ever, also contributed with wickets and a sustained period of hostility, including a delivery that hit Ben Stokes in a very painful area, momentarily felling the all-rounder. Ultimately, England were bundled out for just 192, setting India a seemingly manageable target of 193.
Indian Chase Stumbles Amidst Fierce English Onslaught
With a chase of less than 200 on a fourth-day Lord’s pitch, India would have fancied their chances to go 2-1 up in the series. However, the England pacers, reinvigorated by a modest target to defend, came out with renewed vigour and aggression. The atmosphere crackled as Jofra Archer, making his Test comeback, delivered an early blow, dismissing opener Yashasvi Jaiswal for a seven-ball duck, caught behind after a top-edged hook.
The real momentum swing, however, came from the fast-bowling sensation Brydon Carse. Carse, bending his back and hitting the pitch hard, exploited the variable bounce and subtle seam movement to perfection. He first trapped Karun Nair (14) plumb in front, a decision Nair chose not to review, seemingly surprised by the sharp inward movement.
Moments later, Carse delivered another masterclass, trapping India captain Shubman Gill (6) LBW. Gill, who has been in scintillating form this series with three centuries, opted for a review, but Hawk-Eye confirmed the umpire’s decision, sending a wave of elation through the English camp.
The psychological blows kept coming. With mere minutes left in the day’s play, England captain Ben Stokes, taking the ball himself, produced a moment of magic. Running in full tilt, he speared a fuller length delivery that straightened off the deck, cleaning up nightwatchman Akash Deep’s off-stump. The dismissal, coming off the very last ball of the day, sent the Lord’s crowd into a frenzy and left India reeling at 58/4 at stumps, still needing 135 runs for victory.
Controversy and Sporting Theatre
Beyond the fluctuating scoreboard, Day 4 was punctuated by several captivating moments and heated exchanges that are sure to dominate post-match discussions. Mohammed Siraj, always a fiery competitor, was at the heart of much of the action. After dismissing Ben Duckett, Siraj was seen celebrating animatedly, engaging in a shoulder bump and a verbal confrontation that could well attract the attention of match referee Richie Richardson.
Ye pahla DSP hai jo khud sabse jyada crime karta hai 😭😭 #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/eVw7f9qxyQ
— Prayag (@theprayagtiwari) July 13, 2025
Similarly, debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy, after dismissing Zak Crawley, gave the England opener a spirited verbal send-off, hinting at ongoing on-field altercations from previous days.
Adding to India’s frustration was a dropped catch by Chris Woakes off his own bowling, offering a reprieve to the resilient KL Rahul. Rahul, unfazed, proceeded to strike consecutive boundaries in the same over, rubbing salt into England’s wounds. These are the small margins that often define Test matches, and this dropped catch could prove pivotal on Day 5.
The nature of the Lord’s pitch itself has been a talking point throughout the match. While the first two Tests of the series were played on relatively benign surfaces, Lord’s has offered more assistance to the bowlers, with variable bounce and consistent seam movement, particularly as the game has progressed. The infamous Lord’s slope has also played its part, adding an extra dimension to the bowling attacks and challenging the batsmen’s techniques.
As the sun sets on a dramatic India vs England 3rd Test, Day 4 is poised for a truly unforgettable conclusion. With India’s fate heavily reliant on the resolute KL Rahul (33*), and England’s bowlers sniffing victory, the cricketing world eagerly awaits the final chapter of this gripping contest at Lord’s. All three results remain possible, promising a fitting climax to an already enthralling series.