IND vs ENG 3rd Test Day 3: Rishabh Pant Battles Injury to Keep India in the Fight at Lord’s

IND vs ENG 3rd Test Day 3: Rishabh Pant Battles Injury to Keep India in the Fight at Lord’s

Lord’s, July 12, 2025 – With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy up for grabs and the third consecutive Test hanging on a knife’s edge, Day 3 of the India vs England 3rd Test promises gripping action. After two slow yet strategic days of play, both teams are deadlocked in a contest where momentum can shift with a single over. India, at 145/3, trail England by 242 runs, and will need disciplined batting to swing the balance in their favour.

Slow Over Rate Frustrates Fans as Drama Builds

Despite clear skies and good conditions, only 155 overs were bowled across two days, raising concerns among fans and commentators about the pace of play. Day 1 lost 7 overs, while Day 2 saw nearly 20 overs disappear due to slow changeovers, frequent ball replacements, and minor stoppages. The umpires and match officials face pressure to ensure Day 3 delivers more playing time and sustains the growing excitement.

India’s Position: Rahul and Pant Hold the Key

As Day 3 begins, KL Rahul stands firm with a patient half-century, showcasing composure and technique that could prove match-defining. Batting alongside him is Rishabh Pant, who has returned to the field despite a bruised finger sustained on Day 1. Known for his aggression, Pant will need to balance flair with caution to navigate England’s relentless pace attack.

“Rahul’s patience and Pant’s firepower could be the perfect mix for India to bridge the deficit,” said former cricketer VVS Laxman on Star Sports.

The Indian batting line-up still has depth, with three reliable all-rounders waiting in the wings, but the team will hope to avoid depending heavily on them. The priority remains to get close to England’s first-innings total without exposing the lower order too soon.

England’s Attack: Woakes, Archer, and Carse Eye Breakthroughs

England’s strength lies in their potent pace unit. With Jofra Archer clocking high speeds and Brydon Carse extracting bounce, skipper Ben Stokes has managed to rotate his bowlers aggressively, keeping constant pressure on India’s top order.

Chris Woakes, a proven performer at Lord’s, remains a potential game-changer on this surface. The big wicket of Shubman Gill, who was finally outwitted late on Day 2, has given England the psychological edge they need going into Day 3.

“We have the runs on board. It’s about turning the screws now,” said Stokes during the end-of-day press conference.

What to Watch For on Day 3

• KL Rahul’s continuation: Can he get another Lord’s century and anchor the innings?
• Rishabh Pant’s fitness and mindset: Will he attack early or settle in?
• Overrate management: Will umpires ensure a better pace to maximize play?
• England’s short-ball plan: Especially targeting Pant and India’s lower middle order
• Weather and pitch: Clear skies predicted; the pitch is flattening, favouring batters gradually

Match Context: Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Heats Up

This ongoing series has already delivered thrilling cricket, and the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy has lived up to its billing. With both sides having exchanged dominant moments in the first two Tests, this third match could tilt the series decisively.