The third Test of the England-India series at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 10, 2025, was notable not just for the high stakes but also for the return of India’s premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah to the playing 11 after a dominating win. The series, tied at 1-1, saw both teams eager to gain the upper hand in this pivotal match. Bumrah’s comeback replaced Prasidh Krishna, with the pacer having missed the previous Test due to workload management. However, the pre-match moments brought a lighter, humorous side to the intense cricketing contest when Bumrah’s playful interaction with the groundstaff went viral, adding a memorable anecdote to the day’s proceedings.
Jasprit Bumrah’s cheeky banter with the Lord’s ground staff
Just moments before the toss, as Bumrah was warming up, he curiously approached the pitch at Lord’s to inspect the surface. This drew immediate attention from the ground staff, who promptly asked him to step away from the pitch to preserve its condition. Bumrah’s response was a cheeky one; he humorously threatened to put his foot on the pitch but shared a laugh with the official, showcasing his playful nature amidst the serious atmosphere of a Test match. Despite the warning, Bumrah briefly placed a foot over the surface while standing on one leg, teasing the fourth umpire before stepping back respectfully. This light-hearted exchange quickly spread across social media, endearing fans and highlighting the human side of international cricket.
Here’s the video:
— Nihari Korma (@NihariVsKorma) July 10, 2025
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Bumrah’s impact and team strategies for the Lord’s encounter
On the cricketing front, England’s captain Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to bat first, surprising many given the green tinge on the pitch that suggested assistance for the bowlers. The pitch conditions at Lord’s, known for their slope and occasional seam movement, promised an intriguing contest between bat and ball. India’s skipper Shubman Gill expressed confidence in the team’s bowling attack, especially with Bumrah’s return, emphasizing the importance of adapting to the conditions and the challenge of taking 20 wickets on such a wicket.
Bumrah, who had a fine practice session ahead of the Test focusing on managing his workload, immediately made his presence felt by troubling England’s openers early on. Despite some missed catching opportunities by India’s fielders, Bumrah’s probing spells and tactical advice to his teammates about field positioning underlined his leadership on the field.
Former coach Anil Kumble noted that Bumrah was slightly wide in his initial spells but expected that he would settle into a more accurate line post-lunch, increasing the pressure on England’s batsmen. Bumrah’s return not only bolstered India’s bowling attack but also injected fresh energy and motivation into the side, which had recently squared the series with a win at Birmingham.
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