🏏 Cricket:India Tightens Grip Over England as Tensions and Wickets Fly at Lord’s | ENG vs IND 2025

London, July 13, 2025 — Cricket’s grandest stage, Lord’s, lived up to its legendary status as India and England locked horns in a high-stakes battle that saw gripping performances, heated exchanges, and one of the most thrilling Test contests in recent memory. As the fourth day concluded, India looked poised for victory, needing just 193 runs with two full sessions remaining.

🔥 India’s Bowlers Trigger English Collapse

Resuming their second innings with a narrow lead, England’s batting lineup was quickly dismantled by a fiery Indian bowling attack. Washington Sundar was the star of the day, scalping crucial wickets including those of Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Jamie Smith—all clean bowled in a display of pinpoint accuracy. His spell of 3 for 38 was instrumental in halting England’s momentum.

Backing him up, Jasprit Bumrah struck twice, removing Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse, tightening India’s grip on the game. England was eventually bowled out for 192, setting India a modest but tricky target of 193 runs for victory.

🧊 Day 3: Boiling Point Reached as Emotions Flare

What grabbed more headlines than the runs and wickets was the intense on-field drama on Day 3. As the final over of the day was bowled, Indian skipper Shubman Gill lost his cool over England opener Zak Crawley’s alleged time-wasting tactics. Caught on camera, Gill was seen gesturing and shouting towards the England camp, sparking outrage and widespread reactions across the cricketing world.

To add fuel to the fire, Mohammed Siraj had a verbal exchange with Ben Duckett after dismissing him with a rising delivery. His send-off, which involved shoulder contact and loud celebration, has since gone viral.

Former cricketers and pundits are divided—some calling it “passion,” others labeling it “poor sportsmanship.”

🧮 First Innings: A Rare Statistical Marvel

Earlier in the Test, both teams posted 387 runs in their first innings—a statistical rarity that has only occurred a handful of times in Test cricket history. India’s fightback was led by KL Rahul, who registered a composed century at the Home of Cricket, while Rishabh Pant (74) and Ravindra Jadeja (72) added vital contributions down the order.

For England, Zak Crawley and Joe Root led their innings with half-centuries, but missed the opportunity to post a commanding lead due to disciplined Indian bowling.

📉 England’s Bazball Under Fire

England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach faced fresh scrutiny, especially after Harry Brook threw away his wicket with an unnecessary upper-cut on Day 4. Critics, including Kumar Sangakkara, slammed the shot as “reckless” rather than “innovative.”

Meanwhile, former Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar ridiculed the English approach, dubbing it “Bundleball”—a mockery of their attacking philosophy.

🏆 What’s at Stake

With the five-match series tied at 1–1, this Test could define the summer. India’s bowlers have done their part; now it’s up to the batters to hold their nerve. England, on the other hand, must summon a near-miracle to claw back into the match with early wickets on Day 5.

📅 Elsewhere in Cricket: MLC Final Set for Grand Showdown

Across the Atlantic, all eyes are also on Grand Prairie Stadium in Texas, where MI New York will face Washington Freedom in the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025 Final. Despite a poor start to the season, MI New York stormed into the final with a late surge led by power-hitters Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard.

🔭 Final Thoughts

As Day 5 looms, the Lord’s Test promises a blockbuster finish. Will India chase down the target and take a 2–1 lead, or will England produce a dramatic fightback under pressure? Either way, cricket fans around the world are in for a thrilling finale.

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