Lord’s, London:
The stage is set for a gripping finale at Lord’s. India, chasing 193, ended Day 4 at 58/4, needing 135 more runs with six wickets in hand. After a fiery English bowling display late on Sunday, Day 5 promises a tense, high-stakes battle where both sides are still very much in the game.
England Strike Back After Setting 193
England, after being bowled out for 192 in their second innings, roared back with the ball under overcast skies. India’s top order crumbled in the final session of Day 4:
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Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a golden duck by Jofra Archer.
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Karun Nair looked solid but was trapped LBW by Brydon Carse for 14.
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Shubman Gill, India’s in-form captain, fell for just 6 to Carse, undone by sharp inward movement.
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And just when India looked to survive the day, Akash Deep, sent in as nightwatchman, was bowled by Ben Stokes on the final ball of the day.
India now stands at 58/4 in 17.4 overs, with KL Rahul (33)* at the crease and Rishabh Pant set to resume alongside him on the final morning.
Match Summary
| Innings | Score |
|---|---|
| England 1st Inn | 387 all out |
| India 1st Inn | 387 all out |
| England 2nd Inn | 192 all out |
| India 2nd Inn | 58/4 (chasing 193) |
India are confident, says Washington Sundar. #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/U3Tb728QOb
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) July 14, 2025
Day 5: What India Needs To Do
Despite the top-order failure, India still has a chance to pull off a famous chase at Lord’s. Here’s what they need to focus on:
1. Survive the First Hour:
England will come hard with the new ball, looking to nip out Rahul and Pant early. This phase is critical. India must avoid panic, play close to the body, and leave anything outside off.
2. Build a Partnership:
If Rahul and Pant can stitch a 50+ partnership, the pressure will shift to England. Both are capable of rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries.
3. Play Attritional Cricket:
There’s no need to chase the target quickly. A run-a-ball is not necessary. India should aim for small targets 30 runs at a time and break the chase into manageable segments.
4. Middle and Lower-Order Support:
Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar will need to provide crucial runs. Even 15–25 run cameos can make a huge difference on this kind of surface.
5. No Heroics, Just Grit:
India must avoid flashy shots or playing for the crowd. This is a Test of patience, technique, and temperament not just talent.
Also Read: How has Wimbledon Champion Jannik Sinner redefined Modern Tennis?
Key Players on Day 5:
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KL Rahul (33) – The most experienced batter left. He needs to anchor the chase with a cool head and smart shot selection.
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Rishabh Pant – His counter-attacking nature can shift momentum quickly. But control will be key.
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Jofra Archer & Brydon Carse – England’s main weapons with the ball. Both extracted bounce and movement late on Day 4 and will be hungry for more.
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Ben Stokes – The master of big moments. His last-ball wicket yesterday reminded everyone why he remains England’s spiritual leader.
Weather & Pitch Report
The weather is expected to stay clear throughout Day 5, with no rain interruptions forecast. The Lord’s pitch has shown variable bounce and some lateral movement, especially with the new ball. However, once set, batters can score freely with good application.
India stands at a crossroads. A modest target, but high pressure. Six wickets in hand, but no margin for error. If KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant can weather the storm in the morning and steer India into calmer waters, a historic win at Lord’s is very much possible.
