England won the third Test with an extraordinary bowling masterclass in the final innings against India at Lord’s, as they defended a minor target of 193. Despite winning the match, England moved to third place on the WTC points table.
England have won two matches and there is a possibility of convenience in number two with 24 points; However, his PCT has been lower than Sri Lanka, as England were docked by ICC to maintain a slow rate at Lord’s.
England upgraded to Manchester with a lead in the series, as they look at the series with a solid show in Manchester to seal their victory, and India suffers a major setback for the boycott of the injured Rishabh Pant.
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English slip cordon as Harry Brook has participated to change the ends between the overs
After the points were docked in the third Test, England does not seem to be vigilant to repeat the same mistake, as Harry Brook is seen running from the middle of the pitch to change the sides between the overs.
Along with Harry Brook, many other Indian fielders such as wicket-keeper Jamie Smith, Joe Root, and Opener Zak Croly, have been seen making a sharp movement to save time for the bowlers, who take some time naturally, as most abroad has been bowled by English pace.
Look at the field awareness of Harry Brook as he sprints to end:
“Don’t be the last!”
Harry Brook is running in the middle of the overs for his mark in slips. pic.twitter.com/j9ag1hhkdf
– Sky Sports Cricket (@Skycricket) July 23, 2025
Ben Stokes suggested ICC Reform Rules as per sports status
England captain Ben Stokes, while speaking to the press after England, was docked for a slow rate, clarifying the real reason behind the delay in the ICC.
He said that when the Asians play in situations like the subcontinent, where most overs, about 70%, bowling by spinners, it is relatively easy to maintain over-rate. However, in countries such as England, New Zealand, and more, under the status of the army, the tracks are different and the seamers require several overs.
Even in the Lord’s Test Final innings, England bowled all their overs with spinners, with spinners Shoaib Bashir or Joe Root bowled less than 10 overs.
Also Read: Gautam Gambhir wanted Rishabh Pant to bat in the Manchester Test with pain reliever! Doctors here told BCCI
Can England dominate one-man-down Indian team in Manchester
Despite never winning the match at this site, India is in a winning position in Manchester. After a good start of the innings, the Indian opener fell early in the second season. India’s most trusted batsman, Shubman Gill, has once again messed it up.
However, the real shock for the Indian innings came when Rishabh Pant gave a big blow to his right leg in an attempt to reverse Chris Woakes. The batsman was seen whispering with pain immediately as he ran into the physio.
Now the pants have been officially rejected from the series against England along with the remaining part of the match. Therefore, India is below only 10 batsmen, and England will have the opportunity to dominate the Indian lower order as Pant will not be able to take any ground forward in the match.