The third Test between England and India at Lord’s has delivered a gripping contest, living up to the storied rivalry and the historic venue’s reputation. With the five-match series locked at 1-1, both teams arrived in London knowing the stakes were immense. England, desperate to bounce back after a heavy defeat in the previous Test, welcomed back Jofra Archer—his return adding an extra layer of intrigue and firepower to the hosts’ attack. After both sides posted identical first-innings totals of 387, the match entered a nail-biting final day with India set a target of 193 and England needing quick wickets to seal the game.
Jofra Archer grabs a blinder to dismiss Washington Sundar
The defining moment of Day 5—and perhaps the match—came courtesy of Archer’s extraordinary athleticism. With India reeling at 81/6 in their chase, Archer steamed in for his eighth over. Delivering a full-length ball that tailed into Washington Sundar’s toes, Archer induced a leading edge as Sundar attempted a flick. The ball looped tantalizingly in the air, but what followed was pure sporting theatre: Archer, following through on his delivery, dived low and snatched a one-handed catch inches from the turf, tumbling and rolling but never losing grip on the ball. The Lord’s crowd erupted as Archer’s teammates swarmed him, recognizing the sheer brilliance of the moment.
Sundar, dismissed for a four-ball duck, could only watch as Archer’s intervention sent India further into crisis at 82/7. The catch was not just a display of raw athleticism but also a testament to Archer’s sharp reflexes and commitment—qualities that have made his long-awaited return so impactful. With figures of 3 for 40, Archer’s spell was pivotal in dismantling India’s resistance and shifting momentum firmly in England’s favour.
Here’s the video:
You cannot do that Jofra Archer!
Out of this world 😱 pic.twitter.com/mGNpgKPphl
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 14, 2025
Also WATCH: Jofra Archer roars in celebration after shattering Rishabh Pant’s off-stump on Day 5 of Lord’s Test
England closing in on an epic win against India
Archer’s blinder was the exclamation point on a relentless English bowling performance. Earlier, England’s first-innings 387 had been built around Joe Root’s composed century and valuable contributions from Ben Stokes, Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse. India matched that total thanks to KL Rahul’s hundred and solid middle-order support, setting up a rare level pegging after two innings.
In their second dig, England managed 192, with Sundar starring for India with a four-wicket haul that briefly swung the pendulum. But chasing 193 on a wearing Lord’s pitch, India found themselves under siege. Archer struck early, removing Yashasvi Jaiswal for a duck, and then accounted for the dangerous Rishabh Pant. Stokes and Carse chipped in, but it was Archer’s relentless hostility and the jaw-dropping catch to dismiss Sundar that broke India’s back.
India still need over 80 runs with only three wickets in hand. England, fueled by Archer’s X-factor and a charged-up attack, stand on the cusp of a famous Lord’s victory, while India’s hopes rest on a miracle from the tail.
Also WATCH: Go on, throw it! – Akash Deep dares Brydon Carse in explosive face-off on Day 4 of Lord’s Test