England's thrilling 22-run win over India at Lord's in the third Test not only put them on a 2-1 lead in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series but also made significant alterations to the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 standings.
In an enthralling match full of intensity and drama, the hosts showed nerves of steel to defend a modest-looking target of 193 on the last day, rolling India over for 170 in the final minutes of Day 5.
The result had an instant impact on the WTC table. Coming into the match with a points percentage (PCT) of 50, England's victory took them to 66.67, level with Sri Lanka in second position jointly. Only Australia are out in front, with a perfect record to date in the cycle.
India's loss, on the other hand, saw them fall from second to fourth. With a mere win in three matches, their PCT fell to 33.33. They now occupy positions above only Bangladesh, who have 16.67 from two matches, and the West Indies, who have played two Tests without a win. Other teams — South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka — are yet to finish a full series or be mid-series, so the positionings may further change over the coming weeks.
The Lord's Test was a demonstration of fine margins and huge skill. Both sides achieved the same first innings score of 387. Joe Root's century (104), together with resolute contributions by Jamie Smith (51) and Brydon Carse (56), provided the foundation for England. India fought back vigorously in the form of K.L. Rahul's unflappable hundred, Rishabh Pant's aggressive 74, and a well-crafted 72 by Ravindra Jadeja. Jasprit Bumrah's aggressive 5/74 and Washington Sundar's 4/22 in England's second innings highlighted India's fighting qualities.
But England's bowlers were the ones who sealed the deal in the fourth innings. Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes, and Carse knocked over early wickets to leave India tottering at 58/4 at the end of Day 4. Jadeja fought bravely on the last day, putting up resolute partnerships with Bumrah and Siraj to keep Indian hopes alive.
But a strange turn of events ended India's resistance — a ball from Shoaib Bashir, off the bat of Siraj, rolling back to knock over the stumps, sealing England's thrilling victory and sending the Indian dressing room into stunned silence.
With two Tests to go in the series, both teams are still within touching distance of claiming the series trophy as well as critical WTC points. As the battle to the 2025 WTC Final intensifies, every session and every alliance will be decisive.
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