India vs England 3rd Test Day 5: Who has the advantage, key players, highest chase at Lord’s, weather and what could decide the match

India vs England 3rd test Day 5: English bowlers claw back advantage, leaving India 135 runs away from historic chase

In a gripping fourth-day finish at Lord’s, England roared back into contention in the third Test by reducing India to 58 for 4 in their second innings, defending a modest target of 193. With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy level at 1-1, Day 5 promises a dramatic finish, as India eye their highest-ever successful run chase at the iconic ground.

India vs England: Momentum swings back to England

India appeared to be in firm control after bowling England out for 192 in their second innings earlier in the day. Washington Sundar led the charge with a four-wicket haul, as England lost their final six wickets for just 38 runs. With identical first-innings scores of 387, India needed just 193 to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

But England’s pace attack hit back in style. Brydon Carse struck twice in a fiery spell, while Jofra Archer and skipper Ben Stokes took a wicket each, rattling the Indian top order. KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 33 and offered some resistance, but India lost Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli cheaply in the final session.

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India Vs England: History not on India’s side at Lord’s

India have never chased more than 150 to win a Test match at Lord’s. Their highest successful chase at the venue came in 1986 when Kapil Dev’s side chased down 134 with five wickets to spare. A similar fightback is now required from Shubman Gill’s men if they are to script history and go ahead in the series.

That victory 39 years ago remains one of India’s most celebrated overseas wins. Dilip Vengsarkar’s 33, Chetan Sharma’s five-wicket haul, and Kapil Dev’s explosive 23 off 10 balls sealed the win, paving the way for a 2-0 series triumph—India’s last before their 2007 win in England.

England vs India 3rd test: Players to watch on Day 5

KL Rahul (India): The opener is unbeaten on 33 and will resume on Day 5 as India’s best hope. If he can anchor the chase deep into the day, India’s chances rise sharply.

Rishabh Pant (India): Known for his counter-attacking approach, Pant joins Rahul at the crease. His ability to take the game away quickly could be decisive — or risky.

Brydon Carse (England): The pacer turned the tide on Day 4 with two vital wickets. On a pitch that’s still offering bounce, Carse could be England’s go-to bowler again.

Ben Stokes (England): England’s captain loves a Lord’s occasion. His leadership and bowling changes on Day 4 were sharp, and he could play a big hand again.

KL Rahul holds the key on final day

With six wickets in hand and 135 more needed, the pressure now falls on Rahul and incoming batter Rishabh Pant to guide India through. The pair must hold steady against England’s charged-up pace unit. A win here would put India 2-1 up ahead of the fourth Test and give them a serious edge in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

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India vs England Third Test Day 5 Weather

Conditions in London are expected to be sunny and pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 21°C and 24°C. There’s only a slight chance of rain (15%) around 3 PM local time, but a result is likely well before then, possibly even before tea.

India vs England Third Test Day 5: Factors that could decide the match

Morning conditions: Lord’s has offered swing in the early hours across all four days. The first session on Monday will be crucial — if India survive it with minimal loss, the chase is well and truly on.

Pitch behaviour: The surface is wearing slightly, but not deteriorating drastically. However, uneven bounce has crept in, which might test batters’ technique, especially against the short ball.

Weather: Forecast is mostly clear with only a 15% chance of rain post-lunch. Temperatures will hover between 21°C and 24°C — ideal for uninterrupted cricket.

Pressure moments: With history in sight, nerves will come into play. India’s lower order may have to contribute again, and England’s bowlers must maintain discipline under pressure.

India-England Tendulkar Anderson Test Series finely poised

England claimed the first Test at Headingley by five wickets, while India stormed back at Edgbaston with a 336-run win. With the Lord’s Test heading towards a tense conclusion, both teams know that a single partnership or breakthrough could swing the match—and the series—in their favour.

Day 5 at Lord’s is set up perfectly: six wickets for England, 135 runs for India, and one spot in history waiting to be claimed.