India’s Historic Wins at Lord’s: A Look Back Ahead of the Third Test Against England

As Team India gears up for the third Test of the ongoing five-match series against England, all eyes turn to the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, where the match is set to begin on Thursday. Riding high after a commanding win in the second Test at Edgbaston, India will look to seize the momentum and make history by registering their fourth Test win at the “Home of Cricket”.

India’s Crucial Third Test at Lord’s: What’s at Stake

The history of India’s Test performances at Lord’s is a story of perseverance, evolution, and occasional brilliance. Having played 19 Tests at this prestigious venue, India has managed to win just three, lost 12, and drawn four. However, those three wins stand out not just for their rarity but for the dramatic fashion in which they were achieved and the eras they represented.

1986: The Breakthrough Victory Under Kapil Dev

India’s first-ever victory at Lord’s came in 1986, under the leadership of Kapil Dev. That match not only saw a dominant performance by the Indian side but also marked the beginning of India’s 2-0 series triumph in England — a rare achievement at the time. After putting England to bat first, India made early inroads with Chetan Sharma claiming 5 for 64, despite a century by Graham Gooch. Dilip Vengsarkar’s unbeaten 126 became the bedrock of India’s first-innings lead. With a second spell of brilliance from Kapil (4/52) and Maninder Singh cleaning up the tail, England was bundled out for 180, leaving India a manageable target of 134 — which they chased to mark their historic win.

2014: MS Dhoni’s Men End the Drought

It would take nearly three decades for India to clinch another win at Lord’s, and it came in 2014 under the cool-headed leadership of MS Dhoni. England again opted to field, but Ajinkya Rahane’s gritty 103 and Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 6-wicket haul kept India afloat. England took a slim lead, but India roared back with solid contributions from Vijay (95), Jadeja (68), and Bhuvneshwar again (52). Setting a target of 319, Ishant Sharma emerged as the hero with his lethal short-ball strategy, capturing 7 for 74 and triggering a dramatic English collapse. India won by 95 runs, celebrating a famous away win.

2021: Virat Kohli’s Team Demolishes England at Home

Then came the unforgettable 2021-22 triumph under Virat Kohli. England once again chose to field first — and India responded with flair and determination. A 126-run opening stand between Rohit Sharma (83) and KL Rahul set the tone. Rahul’s elegant and gritty 129 lifted India to 364, despite James Anderson’s five-wicket haul.

In response, England managed 391, thanks to a majestic 180* by Joe Root. India, faltering at 209/8 in their second innings, found unlikely saviors in Jasprit Bumrah (34*) and Mohammed Shami (56*), whose 89-run stand stunned the hosts.

The unexpected resistance from the tail turned the tide of the match and gave India a crucial 272-run lead to defend going into the final day.

The aggression in the dressing room spilled onto the field, with Kohli famously telling his team to make England “see hell.” His words lit a fire as India decimated England for 120 on the final day, with Siraj taking four and Bumrah three wickets — a win that encapsulated Kohli’s firebrand captaincy and the team’s fighting spirit.

Momentum from Edgbaston: Can Gill Lead India to Glory?

With Shubman Gill now leading the squad, the question arises — can India script yet another historic win at Lord’s and take a 2-1 lead in the series? The current Indian side boasts a blend of experienced performers and youthful energy. The win at Edgbaston proved their ability to regroup and respond under pressure, making them a formidable opponent despite the English crowd advantage.

Also See: Upcoming Matches and Series for Team India

What a Fourth Lord’s Victory Would Mean for India

This Lord’s Test holds multiple milestones and narratives. For India, a win would mean consolidating their record and confidence on foreign soil. For England, it’s about defending their fortress and keeping the series within reach. But history favors teams that dare to dream — and Team India, with its past successes at this venue, walks into Lord’s not as underdogs, but as determined contenders eyeing a place in cricketing folklore.