Short inlength, aggressive, on the body. Ishant Sharma delivered one of the most memorable spells as a fast bowler in the history of India's Test cricket. Ishant's 7-wicket haul destroyed Alastair Cook's struggling England and broke the jinx at the Lord's cricket ground.

July 21, 2014 marked the end of 28 years of waiting for Team India. After 1986, the men in the Blue Brigade pulled off a stunning victory at the 'home of cricket' and their first away win in three years. The tall India pacer's 7 for 74 encouraged India to a 95-run win.

England, well positioned, chose to play one after another reckless shots, which caused them to lose a series of wickets, and in the end, all wickets were down. From 173 for 4 to 223 all out, England's batting explained how senseless batting could drain all the auspicious possibilities.

Read More: When MS Dhoni walked in at 8/4 and top-scored with a fighting 71 in ENG vs IND 2014 Old Trafford Test

Credit goes to few other cricketers as well

If Ishant Sharma's 7-wicket spell is considered the best from India, then Ajinkya Rahane's century in the first innings is marked as the best in the first phase of the game. Rahane's 103-run innings remained as one of his finest knocks throughout his entire career. Ravindra Jadeja's (68) half century also behaved like a catalyst. It was Jadeja's maiden Test half-century in his Test career, and after that, he displayed his own sword celebrations for the first time. 

"Memorable win for us, not many players have played Test cricket in England, their approach was brilliant, it was a fantastic performance", MS Dhoni, then the captain of Team India said after the infamous victory. 

"That last over before lunch, Ishant did not really want to bowl short, I was like, 'You have to bowl it', I turned the other way round. He got his wicket and then it gave him the confidence to keep bowling short, keep attacking the batsman. I think it was a fantastic performance."

The Indian team maintained a fiery presence on Day 4 of the third Test at Lord’s, continuing their aggressive tactics against the England batters. Following a tense final over on Day 3, which saw several verbal exchanges with England’s openers, India didn’t hold back and kept the pressure on with a charged-up attitude.

Mohammed Siraj, known for his passionate on-field attitude, was at the center of the action. The pace bowler added intensity to the game by constantly challenging the England batters and making life uncomfortable at the crease. His energy peaked when he dismissed Ben Duckett and delivered a fiery send-off, which drew plenty of attention.

The incident sparked criticism from former England captain Alastair Cook, who took issue with Siraj’s over-the-top reaction. Cook expressed concern over the level of aggression, particularly from a bowler of Siraj’s stature, questioning whether such celebrations were in the spirit of the game during an already heated contest.

See Also: Star India pacer fined for Code of Conduct Breach after Day 4 Lord's Test incident

Alastair Cook Criticises Siraj’s Celebration Action:

Veteran England captain Alastair Cook felt Mohammed Siraj’s celebration went overboard. He believed there was no reason for the Indian pacer to shout directly at Ben Duckett after dismissing him. He further stated that such behavior was unnecessary and suggested that Siraj should face consequences for his on-field conduct during Day 4 of the Lord’s Test.

On BBC Test Match Special, Cook said, “ That’s unacceptable, but who is to blame now? Whether Duckett walked right into him and knew exactly what he was doing. Then again, you shouldn’t shout in someone’s face like that. I wholeheartedly say that was wrong. There should be no physical contact. Yes, celebrate a wicket like you mean it. But you’ve got him out; you don’t need to look him in the eye from three inches and shout in his face. So I expect there to be repercussions, and there should be repercussions. That is my opinion. I thought that crossed the line.”

Siraj Faces Consequences for His Action:

Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj has been fined 15% of his match fee after a tense exchange with England opener Ben Duckett during the third Test at Lord’s. The incident took place on Sunday, July 13, during a fiery spell from the pacer.

Siraj was found guilty of committing a Level 1 offence under the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel. The fine was imposed due to his on-field behavior, which was deemed to breach the code of conduct set by the ICC. This penalty reflects the seriousness with which the ICC views player discipline and conduct.

Lord's, the legendary "Home of Cricket," has witnessed some of the most thrilling finishes in Test cricket history. Although the ground is famous for high-scoring thrillers and vintage innings, there have also been low-scoring matches as well where bowling brilliance took center stage. Defending a modest total at Lord's is never an easy task, but some teams have achieved miraculous wins when the odds were heavily against them.

The most recent inclusion to this exclusive list arrived on July 14, 2025, when England held off just 193 runs from India in a thrilling third Test. here's a look at the top five lowest totals ever successfully defended in a Test match at Lord's:

1. 124 – Australia vs England, 1888

The 1888 Lord's Test is still one of the first and most dramatic instances of successful low-score defense. After being bowled out for just 116 runs in the first innings, Australia’s pace attack stunned England by dismissing them for a paltry 53. In the second innings, Australia again crumbled for 60, setting England a target of only 124 runs. However, in one of the most shocking collapses in Test history, the hosts were bundled out for 62, as Australia claimed a famous 61-run victory at Lord’s.

2. 182 – England vs Ireland, 2019

In what was expected to be a routine win, England found themselves in deep trouble during the only Test against Ireland in 2019. The home team was bowled out for a mere 85 runs in the first innings. Ireland replied with 207, establishing a huge 122-run lead. England came back sharply with bat in hand in their second innings, posting 303 and leaving Ireland the target of 182. In an extraordinary final twist, Ireland collapsed spectacularly for just 38 runs, handing England a 143-run win—and setting a record for one of the lowest ever totals defended at Lord’s.

3. 183 – England vs South Africa, 1955

In 1955, England staged a remarkable comeback after being dismissed for 133 in the first innings. South Africa took advantage at 304, and the lead was by 171 runs. The hosts then came back with a gritty 353 in the second innings, giving themselves hope to reverse the game. Targeted at 183, South Africa were blown away for only 111, as England produced a 71-run victory. The Lord's crowd saw one of the greatest fightbacks in Test cricket at that time.

4. 193 – England vs India, 2025

The third Test of the 2025 England vs India series delivered one of the most thrilling finishes in recent memory. Both teams posted identical scores of 387 in the first innings, and England managed 192 in their second. India was set 193 to win and resumed the final day at 58/4. Despite a gutsy unbeaten 61 from Ravindra Jadeja, England’s bowlers, especially Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes, and Shoaib Bashir, held their nerve. India were bowled out for 170, and England secured a 22-run win, now recorded as the fourth-lowest total ever defended at Lord’s.

See Also: India’s narrowest Test defeats by runs ft. Lord’s 2025

5. 239 – England vs New Zealand, 2013

The 2013 series opener between England and New Zealand saw the hosts defend a total of 239 in emphatic fashion. England made 232 in the first innings and gained a narrow lead after bowling New Zealand out for 207. A second-innings score of 213 set the Kiwis a modest target of 239. However, in an incredible bowling performance led by Stuart Broad, who took 7 wickets, New Zealand were blown away for just 68. England celebrated a dominant 170-run victory on home turf.

We experienced an unforgettable Test match between England and India at Lord's in London, which was the third Test of the five-match Test series, Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. All five days of the Test match were memorable, while England finished the thriller with a 22-run win. 

While the series was level at 1-1 before this third Test of the series, England captain Ben Stokes chose to bat first after winning the toss in the Test match. England scored 387 all out, and the visitors India also replied with 387 all out in their first innings. While England scored 192 runs in their second innings, the visitors failed to chase the 193-run fourth innings target and were bowled out for 170 runs. 

Now, we are going through three key reasons why India lost the 2025 Lord's Test against England. 

Rishabh Pant run-out

The first session of the third day was running smoothly for Team India, as it started a dominating moment for the visitors until the very last action before the lunch break, when the dangerous batter Rishabh Pant lost his wicket due to an unnecessary run-out. It was an important day for both teams in the Test match, and India started the day at 145/3 in reply to England's first innings total of 387 all out. 

Indian Test vice-captain Rishabh Pant had a strong 141-run partnership for the fourth wicket with the opener KL Rahul. As Rahul was batting at 98 runs, Pant was hurrying to give his partner the opportunity to complete his deserving century before the lunch break. It was a risky run for both, as the best English fielder, skipper Ben Stokes, was charging on the ball, and he brilliantly chose to run out Pant at the non-striker end, and his direct throw got that wicket. While injured Pant was dismissed for 74 runs, Rahul was out for 100 runs early in the second session.

Although the battle went till the last moment of the Test match, Pant's dismissal somehow threw away India's potential dominant moment in the game. That partnership had everything to take the game away from the hosts, and both captains also believed that the dismissal was the key turning point of the match. 

ENG vs IND 3rd Test: ‘Wah, Kya Match Tha!’ – Fans Celebrate as England Seal a Thrilling Victory Over India

Poor start in fourth innings

Chasing down the 193 runs in the fourth innings on the tough batting pitch, the visitors had a poor start, as they ended the fourth day at 58/4. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored 13 runs during India's first innings of the match, failed to open his book in the fourth innings after his poor pull shot produced the first wicket for England in the second over of the innings. 

It was Jaiswal's first ball against Jofra Archer in that innings, and the Indian opener chose a wrong pull shot against the 141 kmph back-of-the-length delivery. Jaiswal wasn't in any perfect position for that shot, and his poor shot selection gave a simple catch to the keeper Jamie Smith, who easily grabbed it. Just like the first innings of the Test match, Archer once again dismissed Jaiswal in his first over.

The no.3 batter Karun Nair once again built up the hope for his team with a solid start, but lost his wicket in another poor fashion. After the crucial 36-run partnership for the second wicket with the opener KL Rahul, while visitors India were looking to end the fourth day confidently, Nair had a foolish-like lbw dismissal that forced the visitors to fight against the nerves. While Brydon Carse started the innings excellently, Nair had no clue how to face a wicket-line delivery, as he left the ball without offering a shot, and it hit his pad without any doubt on the height. These two dismissals hurt the visitors a lot in the fourth innings, especially when any team suffers a very close defeat in a Test match.   

Too much extras

India lost the Test match by 22 runs and conceded a total of 63 runs in extras in two innings, including a total of 36 runs in byes. Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, the Test vice-captain, couldn't keep wicket for most of the match due to his left index finger injury, and Dhruv Jurel replaced him as the wicketkeeper for the match. Jurel impressed with his keeping, but India conceded 32 runs in byes during his presence as a wicketkeeper. However, it would be very unjust to blame Jurel for most of the byes, as the wicketkeeping was always a challenge at the venue, especially when the pitch played a lot of different roles to guide the deliveries and the popular Lord's slope.

But it is very much sure that the extras hurt the visitors hugely in the Test match, including the massive number of byes, recording their third-most byes in a Test match in Indian cricket. Apart from huge byes, India conceded 19 runs in leg byes, five runs in wides, and three runs in no-balls in this Test match. 

After the heartbreaking 22-run defeat in the Lord's Test, visitors India are now in danger of losing the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 in the ongoing England tour. In this tough situation, there is a big question about the Test vice-captain and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant's fitness status, whether he will be fit for the fourth Test of the five-match series at Manchester.  

Rishabh Pant got hit on his left index finger

At the end of the third Test at Lord's in London, hosts England won the Test match by 22 runs and have set a 2-1 lead in the five-match Test series with two to go. Indian Test vice-captain Rishabh Pant was injured during the first innings of the Test match, as he got a hit on his left index finger. While Dhruv Jurel kept wicket for India most of the match, Pant batted in both innings despite suffering his injury. 

During the first day of the Lord's Test, BCCI officially stated, “Team India vice-captain Rishabh Pant got hit on his left index finger. He is receiving treatment at the moment and under the supervision of the medical team. Dhruv Jurel is currently keeping wickets in Rishabh’s absence.” 

In reply to England's first innings total of 387, Rishabh Pant had a crucial role with the centurion KL Rahul to build up a challenging innings, as the visitors also scored 387 all out. Rahul and Pant had a 141-run partnership for the fourth wicket before the risky single cost a run-out dismissal of the strong batter Pant for 74 runs, as the English captain Ben Stokes superbly earned that wicket for his team with a direct throw.

Chasing down the fourth innings target of 193 runs, visitors India had huge hopes on the vice-captain Pant. However, the left-handed batter was bowled by Jofra Archer for only nine runs. In both innings, Pant had to fight with his finger injury, as he felt uncomfortable many times, including requiring medical assistance on the field. 

See Also: Should Team India drop Nitish Kumar Reddy from ENG vs IND 4th Test XI?

There is no major injury: Indian Test captain about Rishabh Pant's present fitness status

The next Test of the series will be played at Old Trafford in Manchester, starting on July 23. At the end of the Lord's Test, while the Indian Test captain Shubman Gill was asked about Rishabh Pant's fitness status, the skipper brought some good news for the Indian cricket fans.  

Gill said in the Press Conference, “Pant went for scans. There is no major injury, so he should be fine for fourth Test in Manchester.”

Jasprit Bumrah Gives His Lord’s Five-Wicket Haul Shoes to MCC Museum

India’s fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has given the shoes he wore on Day 2 at Lord’s to the MCC Museum. On that day, he took a five-wicket haul in the 3rd Test against England. It was his 15th five-for in Test cricket. His bowling helped India bowl England out for 387 runs in their first innings.

Bumrah’s spell was special. In just seven balls, he got Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Chris Woakes out. England went from 251 for 4 to 271 for 7 in no time. He ended with figures of 5 for 74. It was his first time getting on the Lord’s honours board.

Jasprit Bumrah donates his shoes to the MCC Museum 🏏👟

After claiming a brilliant five-wicket haul at Lord’s, the Indian pace ace marks the occasion by gifting his match shoes to the iconic museum. 🇮🇳💙

📸: Bharat Sharma#Bumrah #Lords #MCCMuseum #ENGvIND #Fifer #TeamIndia… pic.twitter.com/cnnF6AVz6B

— Cricadium (@Cricadium) July 12, 2025

This five-for means Bumrah now has as many five-wicket hauls in Tests as Ravindra Jadeja. He had already taken a five-for in the first innings of the series at Headingley, Leeds. He missed the second Test at Edgbaston to rest, but the other Indian bowlers still took all 20 wickets and won the match.

ALSO READ: [Picture]: Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ravindra Jadeja were spotted practicing before start of Day 3 of Lord's Test match

This latest five-for also helped Bumrah move past Kapil Dev in the list of most Test wickets by Indians in England. With 47 wickets, he is just one behind Ishant Sharma and could overtake him in this match at Lord’s.

Ahead of the England vs. India (ENG vs. IND) third match of the five-match Test series at Lord's, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a special video on the internet, depicting the importance of playing in the iconic cricket ground. 

The series is at the level; both teams got one win each before the third game. After the stunning win in Edgbaston, team India players are pumped up before the important Test, which is scheduled to start today. Through the special video, BCCI recalled the memories of the 2021 win against England at the same venue. 

Both the teams have gone through a massive change after 2021. From the Indian batting line-up, only KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant are the members who played in the 2021 England vs. India Test, where India brutally defeated the host team. The kind of form India showed in the previous encounter in Birmingham, the Lord's Test, can witness another fierce contest over the upcoming few days. 

Read More: Future of Asia cup at risk? ACC metting scheduled

Watch the video here 

𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟭
𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗳 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱#TeamIndia is Ready for Lord's 🤜🤛#ENGvIND | @RishabhPant17 | @klrahul | @mdsirajofficial pic.twitter.com/PJjE4qRbiJ

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 10, 2025

England vs. India, Lord's, 2021:

In this match, KL Rahul produced one of the finest knocks of his career for a winning cause. With his 129 and Rohit Sharma's 83, India got 364 in the first innings. In reply, Joe Root smashed an unbeaten 180 to surpass India's first innings score and take England to 391. England came under a disastrous batting performance in the second innings, where they had to chase down 272 to claim a win. The home team bundled only for 120 while they were chasing the fighting total. Mohammed Siraj took 4 wickets, and 3 for Jasprit Bumrah was enough to dismantle England's batting unit. 

Siraj and Rahul are both in significant form in the ongoing tour, and like before, they will try to produce something brilliant again to offer their team a 2-1 lead against England. 

The third Test of the five-match series between India and England is set to begin on Thursday, July 10, at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. Both teams will aim to gain the upper hand in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy as the series continues to intensify.

England has made a key change to their playing XI, bringing in fast bowler Jofra Archer, who missed the first two Tests. His inclusion is expected to boost the English pace attack, especially in the conditions at Lord’s, which often favor seam bowlers.

Former Indian pacer Varun Aaron has pointed out the upcoming face-off between Archer and the Indian batting lineup as a major contest in this Test. He believes Archer’s pace and bounce could pose a real challenge for the Indian batters, making it a battle that fans should keep an eye on throughout the match.

See Also: Major Updates from Rishabh Pant's press conference ahead of ENG vs IND Lord's Test

Varun Aaron Talked About the Battle Between Jofra Archer and Indian Batters:

Varun Aaron mentioned that Jofra Archer has the skills to challenge both Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul. He also highlighted Archer’s strong track record against Shubman Gill, suggesting the English pacer could play a key role in testing India’s top order in the upcoming Lord’s Test.

He specifically pointed out Shubman Gill’s difficulties against Jofra Archer in Test matches, mentioning that Gill has scored only 18 runs with an average of 9.00 against the English pacer. This track record could make Archer a major threat to Gill in the upcoming clash.  

He said, “ The Archer vs India contest is what I will look at, because Archer has that ability to straighten the ball from off-stump to a left-hander. Jaiswal has been key for India, especially at the start. He can also expose if there are any problems with KL Rahul, with the ball coming back in, because we saw what Woakes did, attacking the stumps a lot. Then if we get Gill in early, again he has great numbers vs Gill.”

Varun Aaron Talked About the Importance of Indian Fast Bowlers:

The former Indian fast bowler also shared that the duel between Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep against England’s top-order batters could be another exciting matchup to watch. He believes this pace trio has the potential to make a big impact in the upcoming Test at Lord’s.

Bumrah, Siraj and Akash Deep vs the top order of the England batting unit, because Siraj and Akash Deep have gotten 17 wickets between them in the second Test, a lot of wickets with the new ball, and, at the end of the day, if you get wickets with the new ball and get your team off to a good start at Lord's, you are mostly commanding the whole Test," he further added.

With the third test of the 'Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy' imminent and fast approaching, all the drama and talks shift towards London. India's scintillating win at Edgbaston, Birmingham, evened out England's record chase at Headingley, Leeds. The series now stands level at 1-1, with the third game slated to be played at the 'Home of Cricket', Lord's, from Thursday, 10th July. There is only a three-day gap between the end of the second test and the start of the third. With two intensely-fought games already over, little turnaround between the current fixtures, and a bit of travelling involved from the English Midlands to the south, in London, teams might consider changes in the playing personnel. 

With everyone getting sufficient game time in the first two tests, the management, now, might consider playing those based on recent form, strategies, tactics, and those who sat out at Edgbaston courtesy of workload management. Keeping all these scenarios in consideration, teams might be tempted to ring in a few potential changes in the playing XI that takes the field at Lord's. With the venue having historically favoured fast bowlers, as is the case at any ground in England, bolstering the pace battery is an imperative. The slope there adds a unique dimension, with the bowlers preferring to bowl from the end that gets the geography into play, thus enabling them to make the best use of the conditions. The dry English summer, this time around, has left little scope for grass and moisture on the pitch. These circumstances have drastically brought the spinners into the picture much earlier than they used to in the past, on English soil. 

See Also:- ENG vs IND 2025: Brendon McCullum reveals pitch preferences ahead of 3rd Test at Lord’s

Jasprit Bumrah likely to return for third Test at Lord's

Conditions and venue depending, Washington Sundar might make way for the Chinaman bowler, Kuldeep Yadav. The latter is a genuine wicket-taking option and has historically gotten under the skin of the English batters with his subtle variations. His leg spin, googlies, and flippers have proven to disguise and fox the opposition batters. His inclusion may weaken India's batting a bit, but surely won't let the Englishmen break free in terms of their run-scoring.

Jasprit Bumrah is a certainty to take the new ball for India at Lord's, and his return was confirmed by the skipper, Shubman Gill, in the post-match presentation at Edgbaston. Prasidh Krishna's place is likely to be taken away to create space for the number one-ranked test bowler in the International Cricket Council's (ICC) rankings. Sai Sudarshan might, again, have to wait for his turn as Karun Nair is expected to hold the number three spot despite his average returns so far. Nitish Kumar Reddy shall get another go at Lord's and would be expected to play the all-rounder role better than the last match, batting with the tail, and bowling some crucial overs. 

Stuart Broad said, "this Indian bowling attack would worry me if I was in that England batting lineup". (Sky Sports). pic.twitter.com/C229JMXocy

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 8, 2025

India's probable playing XI for the third test: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (vc), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep. 

Arguably, the best bowler of our generation, India's pace sensation, Jasprit Bumrah, is a cut above the rest. Time and again, he has proven his worth, gold in the Indian team, with his surreal performances to bail them out of tough circumstances. His indelible impact has a lasting effect on everyone alike and is a part of the rich heritage of World Cricket. Termed as a 'National Asset' by several cricket pundits for his impeccable bowling exploits, the spearhead is synonymous with exemplary displays and is a dream for every captain to throw the ball to. There are not many players who can replicate similar consistencies across formats, but Jasprit, more than capable of doing that, makes him the leader of the pack. Youngsters try to emulate his bowling skills, however unique and tough they may be, which proves he is a source of immense inspiration for multitudes of people. 

However, like two sides of a coin, players, particularly fast bowlers, are no strangers to injuries and setbacks. The other side of the story is often painful, away from the game, and requires operative surgeries. Being a workhorse, their task is strenuous and puts a great deal of exertion on their bodies. Jasprit also has had his fair share of injuries, primarily recurring back problems. These issues have plagued him over the years and forced him to miss a few important series and International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments, like the home Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2023 and the following World Test Championship (WTC) final 2023, against Australia, at the Oval in London. His absence, without a doubt, left a deep hole in the balance of the national and franchise teams, and more often than not, made the bowling arsenal depleted. Consequently, the teams have failed to stitch up better performances with the ball, and that has led to a downfall in the eventual results. His vulnerability to a breakdown has prompted the team management to look after him carefully and maintain his workload. This has been taken up to ensure his immaculate efficiency, controlled bowling prowess, and longevity. 

See Also:- [WATCH] ENG vs IND: Jasprit Bumrah bowling at nets of Lord's

As unique as his wits and skills are, Bumrah is special in every way. They say, "Comebacks must be greater than the setbacks", and his returns on every occasion, to competitive cricket, after long injury delays, have been exceptional and better than when he left the field. Always striving for improvements, these intrinsic characteristics make him a gem of a player and an even better human being. With the ongoing 'Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy', it might be fitting to comprehend India's test record with and without their talismanic player, Jasprit Bumrah. The latter was rested from the second test, as part of workload management, at Edgbaston, which India won comprehensively to square the series against England and is now raring to go, at the 'Home of Cricket', Lord's, to unleash at their batters. He will expect better support around him from his fellow bowling partners, unlike in the first test at Leeds.

Shubman Gill said, "Jasprit Bumrah will definitely be back for the Lord's Test". pic.twitter.com/wbRP2L1vR0

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 6, 2025

A detailed matrix to analyse the team's red ball results, since his debut in 2017-18 in South Africa, in his presence and absence, shall go a long way to understand his availability and impact. It will certainly also help in realizing the over-reliance of the team on him and the subsequent preparations for the future once he hangs up his cricket boots.

Key stats of India's performance with and without Jasprit Bumrah

India have played 72 tests since Jasprit Bumrah first ran in with the red ball at Cape Town in January 2018. The numbers might seem astonishing, but it is worth noting that out of the 26 tests that Bumrah missed playing in, almost all of them were in Asia. In the subcontinent conditions, India historically have operated and dominated with three quality and match-winning spinners, and Bumrah, even if present, would not have bowled much anyway. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has largely used his services on overseas tours and predominantly in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia). So, among the 46 tests that he has featured in, so far, 34 of them have come abroad, including the WTC final 2021, against New Zealand, at Southampton, England, which India lost. Surprisingly, Bumrah finally made his home test debut in Chennai, against England in early 2021, three years after his first tryst in South Africa. 

One of Jasprit's all-time best performances came Down Under in 2024-25, where he finished that BGT series as the highest wicket taker and single-handedly kept India in the hunt. His presence does tilt the pendulum in the team's favour, but they must perpetuate themselves and navigate through his intermittent availability. Whether or not he plays all of the remaining matches on English soil, his presence and absence will be treated and scrutinised democratically.