Lord’s, London – July 12, 2025: Day 3 of the third Test between India and England turned out to be a dramatic, emotional, and record-setting affair. With KL Rahul’s century, Rishabh Pant’s gritty knock despite injury, and Ravindra Jadeja’s steady half-century, Team India scripted a powerful comeback at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground.
India Smashes Six-Hitting World Record
In a stunning display of aggressive batting, India registered a world record of 35 sixes in an away Test series. They surpassed the West Indies’ record of 32 sixes set against India in the 1974-75 season.
This milestone came during the 3rd Test, just three games into the five-match series. With power-hitters like Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja leading the charge, India’s aggressive brand of cricket is rewriting Test history.
KL Rahul’s Lord’s Masterclass
KL Rahul scored a majestic 100 off 162 balls, marking his second century at Lord’s and equaling Dilip Vengsarkar’s record of most Test centuries by an Indian at this venue. His innings was a blend of technique, patience, and flawless shot-making. With boundaries on both sides of the wicket, he set the tone for India’s fightback after early setbacks.
Rishabh Pant Fights Through Pain
Despite a painful finger injury sustained on Day 1, Pant came out to bat on Day 2 and continued on Day 3. He smashed 74 off just 91 balls, including 6 fours and 3 sixes, showing why he’s India’s most fearless batter.
Pant was eventually run out, ending a vital 141-run partnership with Rahul. However, his resilience became the emotional backbone of India’s innings.
Jadeja Anchors Lower Order
Ravindra Jadeja played a mature and critical knock. His 72 not out off 129 balls helped India reach 376/6 at Tea on Day 3. With Washington Sundar at the other end (20*), Jadeja ensured India recovered after losing key wickets post-lunch.
India Closes In on England’s Total
By the final session on Day 3, India trailed by just 13 runs, with Jadeja and Sundar building a 49-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Their stand, although slow-paced, brought much-needed stability.
Injuries, Drama, and Controversies
- England’s Shoaib Bashir suffered a finger injury after a fierce shot from Jadeja struck him. He went off the field for treatment and didn’t return for the rest of the session.
- India’s running between the wickets led to two critical run-out chances, one of which ended Pant’s innings.
- Ball changes and umpiring decisions sparked debate, with Jasprit Bumrah criticizing the altered ball behavior compared to previous tours.
England’s Bowling Highlights
Ben Stokes was the pick of the bowlers with 2 wickets, including the vital dismissal of Nitish Reddy, who had earlier partnered Jadeja for a 72-run stand. Joe Root, filling in for Bashir, kept things tight with his off-spin but leaked a few boundaries.
What Lies Ahead?
With just a handful of runs separating both sides, Day 4 is poised to be a thriller. Can India take the lead and put England under pressure? Or will the home side strike back with the new ball?
Regardless, the India vs England 3rd Test at Lord’s has already carved its place in the cricketing record books.
