England Tighten Grip on Lord’s Test as KL Rahul Stands Tall Amid Top-Order Collapse on Day 4

Marcus Trescothick praises Lord’s crowd energy and reveals England aim to set 250+ target as India stumbles to 58/4 chasing 193 on penultimate day of third Test.

London [UK], July 14, 2025 — A rollercoaster fourth day at Lord’s Cricket Ground saw India in deep trouble at 58/4, chasing a tricky 193-run target in the third Test against England. Amid unpredictable bounce, fiery spells from Brydon Carse, and a late strike from skipper Ben Stokes, England seized momentum heading into what promises to be a thrilling final day.

England’s batting coach Marcus Trescothick acknowledged the pivotal impact of the Lord’s crowd in the final session and revealed that England’s initial plan was to set India a target of 250-plus, but the variable pitch conditions changed their assessment.

“We always wanted 250-plus, of course. But after the first innings, it was really hard to judge what a good score was. There was definitely more variation in bounce this morning than at any other time in the game,” Trescothick told reporters.

Despite falling short of their ideal total, Trescothick remains optimistic about England’s chances, emphasizing that the first hour of day five will be crucial in determining the outcome.

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England’s Final Push With the Bat

England began the final session of day four at 175/6, with Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes holding the crease. However, India’s bowlers turned the tide:

• Washington Sundar clean-bowled Stokes for 33 (96 balls)
• Jasprit Bumrah quickly removed Brydon Carse (1) and Woakes (10)
• Sundar returned to dismiss Jofra Archer, finishing with figures of 4/22

England was bowled out for 192 in 62 overs, setting India a target of 193. Supporting Sundar were Bumrah (2/38) and Mohammed Siraj (2/31), with Nitish Kumar Reddy and Akash contributing a wicket each.

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India’s Fragile Start to the Chase

India’s run-chase started on the back foot as Jofra Archer dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal for a seven-ball duck, caught by Jamie Smith. KL Rahul, who scored a century in the first innings, joined Karun Nair and tried to stabilize the innings.

Nair showed promise before falling lbw to Carse for 14, breaking a 36-run partnership. Carse struck again by dismissing skipper Shubman Gill (6), who struggled to settle at the crease. England’s spirited sledging, led by Stokes, added intensity to the contest.

Just before stumps, Stokes delivered the psychological blow by dismissing nightwatchman Akash (1), leaving KL Rahul unbeaten on 33 as India ended day four at 58/4, still needing 135 more runs.

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Trescothick on KL Rahul & Shoaib Bashir

Trescothick heaped praise on KL Rahul’s classical Test technique, calling it a throwback to traditional batting:

“KL’s judgement, discipline, and composure have been very impressive. He’s been dominant in this series and we’ll aim to get him early tomorrow.”

He also confirmed that Shoaib Bashir, who was injured while bowling on day three but batted later, is “fit and ready” to bowl if needed on the final day.

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Electric Atmosphere at Lord’s: “Crowd Lifted the Bowlers”

Reflecting on the late momentum shift, Trescothick said the crowd energy made all the difference as England chased late wickets:

“That last half hour was electric. The buzz around the ground gave our bowlers the lift they needed. We love those situations when the fans are behind us.”

With the series currently tied 1-1, the final day promises a dramatic finish. England will look to grab six quick wickets, while India hopes Rahul and the middle order can produce another memorable fightback.

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Brief Scores:

England 1st Innings: 387 (Joe Root 104, Brydon Carse 56; Jasprit Bumrah 5/74)
India 1st Innings: 339 (KL Rahul 104, Rishabh Pant 51; Jofra Archer 3/58)
England 2nd Innings: 192 (Ben Stokes 33, Washington Sundar 4/22, Bumrah 2/38)
India 2nd Innings: 58/4 (KL Rahul 33*, Brydon Carse 2/22, Ben Stokes 1/9)

India needs 135 runs to win on Day 5 with 6 wickets remaining.

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