London Spirit Women (LNS-W) will be playing against Trent Rockets Women (TRT-W) in Match 13 of The Hundred Women’s 2025 at the historical venue Lord’s Cricket Ground, London, on Thursday, August 14, at 7:30 PM IST. London Spirit is first on the points table with 12 points and has won 3 in a row, narrowly beating Oval Invincibles, Welsh Fire, and Manchester Originals.

While Trent Rockets have started their campaign poorly and are currently in the seventh position on the points table with two losses from the two matches they have played. The season of Ashleigh Gardner’s team is already under pressure, and they will require a comeback performance to remain in the competition.

LNS-W vs TRT-W: Head-to-Head Record

• Matches Played – 4
  
• London Spirit Women won – 0
  
• Trent Rockets Women won – 4
  
• Tied – 0
  

The Trent Rockets Women have completely dominated the fixture, winning all four encounters so far.

LNS-W vs TRT-W: Pitch Report

The pitch at Lord's is generally a good one for the batsmen, as the ball gets on to the bat nicely, allowing for easy stroke play. But early seam movement with the new ball can cause trouble for the batters, hence making the choice of shots very important in the first few overs. Teams may opt to bowl first so as to test the conditions before chasing under lights.

See Also: The Hundred Women’s 2025 Live streaming details: Where and how to watch London Spirit Women vs Trent Rockets Women match 13

LNS-W vs TRT-W: Predicted Playing XIs

London Spirit Women (LNS-W):
Kira Chathli, Georgia Redmayne (wk), Cordelia Griffith, Grace Harris, Danielle Gibson, Charli Knott, Issy Wong, Charlotte Dean (c), Sarah Glenn, Eva Gray, Tara Norris

Trent Rockets Women (TRT-W):
Bryony Smith, Grace Scrivens, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Ashleigh Gardner (c), Heather Graham, Natasha Wraith (wk), Emma Jones, Alana King, Alexa Stonehouse, Kirstie Gordon, Cassidy McCarthy

Playing in England is a significant challenge, as conditions are tough for both batters and bowlers. The Indian team has witnessed some high-class and legendary performers who have showcased solid temperament and technique in the past, enabling them to sustain themselves in challenging English conditions. Indian cricket has produced some class performers, be it the bowlers or the batters, who have stood firm in tough English conditions.

In this piece, we discuss three Indian batters who have highlighted their calibre through their determined and gritty temperament and rock-solid technique to score centuries in English conditions. The batters mentioned in the list possessed different techniques, and their stroke play varied depending on their strengths of playing on different wickets and their approach against different bowlers, but these batters showcased tremendous mental as well as physical toughness to score big hundreds in what are considered the most challenging playing conditions.

These batters approached different situations depending on their temperament and had specific plans while facing different bowlers during different situations, but they showcased a resolute approach to score big hundreds. We take a look at these legendary batters in detail:

1.Rahul Dravid (6 Centuries in 13 Tests)-

''The Wall," as he was called during his playing career, showcased resoluteness in challenging English conditions with his calm temperament, patience and rock-solid technique. Arguably amongst the greatest test players in Indian cricketing history, Dravid showcased why he was considered technically strong with his effortless stroke play and his ability to score centuries consistently in conditions that favour the bowlers.

The former India skipper and coach scored 6 centuries in the 13 tests he played in England. His 217 at Kennington Oval will be remembered for generations. His timing and placement were pure class. The former right-hander will always be respected for his kind and helpful nature alongside his cricketing talent..

2. Sachin Tendulkar (4 Centuries in 17 Tests)-

"Master Blaster" Sachin Tendulkar showcased tremendous adaptability in different playing conditions in England in tests. His strokeplay also varied, keeping in mind the wickets in England that helped him score big centuries in England. The former India captain is a humble personality who is known to help others through his social work alongside his legendary cricketing skills.

 Tendulkar showcased fearless stroke play combined with his ability to play the ball late on English wickets, even though the wicket offered seam movement. When the ball swung late, Tendulkar depended on back-foot punches and classic drives. The former right-hander scored 4 centuries in the 17 tests he played in England. His straight drives will be remembered in England. His 193 at Headingley in 2002 and 177 at Trent Bridge in 1996 were classic.

Also Read: Top 5 players with the most catches in Test Cricket

3.Dilip Vengsarkar (4 Centuries in 13 Tests)-

Vengsarkar showcased all-around stroke play on all sides of the wicket that enabled him to score centuries with consistency in England. The former India captain's effortless and elegant strokeplay was praised in England when he looked at his best. The former right-hander scored 4 centuries in 13 tests in England.

Whether it was playing the square cuts, pulls, driving the ball or playing a straight drive, Vengsarkar was simply brilliant with his strokeplay. His front-foot punches against some of the best English bowlers helped him score heavily in England. "Colonel", as he was fondly called during his playing days, scored a brilliant 157 at Lords in 1982 that is unforgettable.

Test match cricket is known for its unpredictable twists, where fortunes can change from session to session. While India has a great reputation at home, they have also had some agonizingly close defeats at the world cricket. The latest was on July 14, 2025, at Lord's, where India lost to England by 22 runs on the tense fifth day. Even with a gallant effort under Ravindra Jadeja, the visitors were short while trying to make 193. This defeat now finds its place among India's closest Test losses by runs, and yet another page is added to their history of near misses.

1. 12 runs against Pakistan—Chennai (1999)

This match has become memorable for all cricket fans as one of the most thrilling contests between India and Pakistan. Chasing 271 on a wicket offering much turn, India had tremendous support from Sachin Tendulkar's 136 - made while battling back pain. He single-handedly pulled India from 20/2 to 254/6, bringing them agonizingly close to a momentous victory. however, a late collapse after his dismissal triggered a dramatic turn of events, leaving India 12 runs short of a win. Chennai fans' ovation for the winning Pakistan team remains a symbol of the game's spirit.

2. 16 runs against Australia—Brisbane (1977)

India had almost achieved a historic victory against Australia at Brisbane in 1977, when it was led by Bishan Singh Bedi. Australia batted first and set India a target of 341, and Sunil Gavaskar responded with a magnificent 113 in the fourth innings, which showed his class and determination. despite his efforts and the team's strong batting performance, India was eventually bowled out for 324, short by 16 runs. This loss is India's equal-second closest Test run loss, testifying to the extreme conditions at the Gabba as well as the robust bowling of Australia.

See Also: Watch: Mohammed Siraj's unlucky dismissal vs England in today's ENG vs IND 3rd Test match

3. 16 runs vs. Pakistan—Bengaluru (1987)

In Sunil Gavaskar's last Test match, India endured another agonizing 16-run loss against Pakistan at Bengaluru. Pursuing a target of 221 on a tough pitch, Gavaskar had a defiant innings of 96, demonstrating his expertise on a rank turner. But he lacked support from his teammates, as Pakistan's spin pair of Iqbal Qasim and Tauseef Ahmed ran through India's second innings, taking all 10 wickets. This game, which is remembered for Gavaskar's courageous performance in his swansong, was a disappointing one for India, as they got bowled out for 204. Man of the Match was given to Gavaskar even though India lost, which is a testament to individual brilliance.

4. 22 runs vs. England—Lord's (2025)

In a nail-biting match at Lord's, India narrowly lost to England on the fifth day of the third Test, falling by 22 runs in pursuit of a target of 193. This marks India's lowest margin of defeat in England and their fourth-lowest margin in Tests overall. Despite a defiant unbeaten 61 from Ravindra Jadeja, who battled valiantly with the tailenders, India's top order struggled under pressure against the likes of Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes. The match concluded with Mohammed Siraj's dismissal to a gentle delivery from Shoaib Bashir, leaving Jadeja stranded and sealing a heartbreaking result. The loss gave England a 2-1 lead in the series and left Indian fans stunned by yet another close finish slipping away.

On Day 4 of the third Test between India and England at Lord's, on Sunday, July 13, Akash Deep delivered a stunning moment of redemption. The Indian speedster had gone for three consecutive boundaries in his previous deliveries to Harry Brook when he came in to bowl in the 22nd over. The full, attacking delivery had Brook, who was looking to get aggressive again, being away and playing a rash sweep shot, as he completely missed the ball. The ball crashed into stumps behind his legs, dismissing him for 23 runs off 19 balls, leaving England 87/4.

This was an important wicket for India since Brook had looked very aggressive, playing some shots at Akash Deep. He just took 4, 4, and 6 in the previous three deliveries of his last over. Brook's eagerness to get after the bowling got himself out. Akash, who was India's standout performer in the second Test with a 10-wicket match haul, roared back with a crucial wicket to shift the momentum firmly in India’s favor.

India’s bowling attack dominated the morning session. Mohammed Siraj provided early breakthroughs by removing openers Ben Duckett (12) and Ollie Pope (4), while Nitish Kumar Reddy struck to dismiss Zak Crawley (22). With Brook's wicket falling soon after, England were under pressure at 98/4 at Lunch on Day 4, with experienced campaigners Joe Root and Ben Stokes at the crease, trying to rebuild.

First-innings parity sets up tense final days

Earlier in the match, both teams ended with identical scores of 387 in their first innings. Joe Root anchored England’s innings with a composed century (104 off 199), while KL Rahul responded with an equally impressive 100 off 177 for India. The bowlers also played key roles—Jasprit Bumrah bagged his 13th overseas five-wicket haul, and Chris Woakes picked up three wickets for the hosts.

Watch the video here

Relentless and rewarded! 🙌🏻👏🏻#AkashDeep’s disciplined length proves too good for #HarryBrook, as a costly shot sends his middle-stump flying! 🔥#ENGvIND 👉 3rd TEST, DAY 4 | LIVE NOW on JioHotstar 👉 https://t.co/vo6bbH9n2o pic.twitter.com/xIL09UHRtR

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 13, 2025

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India entered the third Test high on confidence after crushing England by 336 runs in the second Test, their biggest overseas win by runs. Akash Deep was instrumental in that win, claiming six wickets in one inning. With the third Test evenly poised at Lunch on Day 4, India’s bowlers once again took center stage as they sought to push for a series lead.

Former Indian wicketkeeper Farokh Engineer came down heavily on England’s Bazball approach ahead of Day 4 of the third Test at Lord’s, calling it a strategy that would never work against top-tier opposition. After suffering a crushing 336-run defeat in the second Test at Edgbaston, England took a surprisingly cautious route in their first innings at Lord’s, scoring 387 runs in 112.3 overs at a run rate below 3.50. The uncharacteristic shift from their usual aggressive play caught many off guard.

Speaking to RevSportz (via Hindustan Times), Engineer said, “This Bazball is all bundlebaz; they can do Bazball against Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka. Against India, they cannot do that, and I have always said that in the past. I wish they had adopted Bazball; we would have won the series by now.” With India posting an identical 387 in reply, the match is now set up as a one-innings shootout, making Day 4 pivotal in the series-deciding third Test.

The outcome of the current contest will significantly influence the fate of the first-ever Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, with the series at 1-1, and how the two teams handle the pressure of the final two days at this historic venue.

“It’s Not ”Cricket”—Engineer Slams England's Time-Wasting Tactics

Farokh Engineer also didn’t hold back when discussing England's attempt to delay play at the end of Day 3. After bowling India out, England had about six minutes to bat but managed to stretch time and avoid facing more than one over. Zak Crawley, in particular, was seen deliberately slowing things down to prevent Jasprit Bumrah from bowling a second over.

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“English people will call it professionalism, but I would call it cheating. Those were time-wasting tactics. They did not want to face another, which was very obvious. He could have been discreet about it, but he made it look so obvious. That wasn't very fair. But who knows? I don't think our batsmen would have done such a blatant thing. The headline is it's not cricket,” Engineer asserted. Despite India's frustration, Crawley’s delay worked, and England ended Day 3 at 2/0 with everything to play for.

After witnessing just 75 overs bowled on Day 2 of the third Test between India and England at Lord’s, former England captain Michael Vaughan voiced his frustration over the declining over-rates in Test cricket. India had bowled 83 overs on Day 1, while less than 75 overs were managed on Day 2, creating a deficit of nearly 23 overs across the first two days. Vaughan, speaking on BBC Sport, called for a stricter approach, urging the authorities to enforce the completion of 90 overs on all five days of a Test match.

Vaughan argued that monetary fines for slow over-rates were ineffective, as today’s players are financially well-off. “I don’t think fines work. I think these lads (cricketers) are quite rich. I don’t think the cash is going to affect them,” he said bluntly. The ex-skipper, who played 82 Tests for England, questioned why full quotas are rarely completed during the first four days of a match, yet always achieved on the fifth. “(It's) been a problem for Test match cricket for a while. I know it's hot. I know we've had a few injuries. But when we get to the fifth day, we have to bowl the 90 overs.”

He insisted that if teams are capable of doing it on Day 5, the same should be expected every day. Vaughan’s remarks came amid growing concerns about time-wasting and delays, particularly involving captains like Shubman Gill and Ben Stokes, who are seen as influential figures responsible for the on-field tempo.

“Make It Simple—Bowl the 90 Overs”

Vaughan emphasized that Test cricket would benefit immensely if a hard rule for 90 overs a day was enforced. “Surely the game just moves on by saying, ‘on day one there’s 90 overs. Guess what we’re going to do? We’re going to bowl 90 overs on day 2 exactly the same’,” he stated. He highlighted how urgency and discipline return only on Day 5, when players and umpires are aware that the full quota must be completed.

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He concluded, “There won’t be as many drink breaks, and there won’t be as many delays because they know that 90 overs have to be bowled. So I’d make it very, very simple. You have to bowl the 90 overs. I would guarantee that would improve the pace (of the matches).”

India's comprehensive 336-run win over England at Edgbaston has sensationally turned around the five-Test series, now finely balanced at 1-1. With the third Test scheduled for July 10 at the iconic Lord's, excitement is ramping up around the battle and possible team line-ups. Much of the spotlight is on India’s potent bowling unit, which former England pacer Stuart Broad described as “dangerous” during a Sky Sports discussion.

“This Indian bowling attack would worry me if I was in that England batting lineup,” Broad remarked, highlighting the particular challenge Lord’s could pose. “The ball just nips down that slope at Lord’s. Akash Deep brings the stumps into play, and if it swings, Bumrah will be lethal with the late movement.” The return of Jasprit Bumrah, coupled with Akash Deep’s recent exploits, only strengthens India’s case as they eye a rare Test win at the Home of Cricket.

Shubman Gill’s youthful side, high on confidence after their first-ever Test win at Edgbaston, looks both balanced and settled. Gill himself has been in imperious form, amassing 430 runs across both innings (269 and 161), while Akash Deep stunned the English with a match-winning 10-wicket haul. With Bumrah set to return, India's pace stocks appear more threatening than ever.

Team tweaks and tactical talk ahead of Lord’s

Former England captain Mark Butcher believes India will make minimal changes for Lord’s. “Bumrah will come back, and the rest will stay the same,” he said, while Kumar Sangakkara added that Prasidh Krishna might be the one to make way. “Siraj and Akash Deep will play. And they’ll probably retain Washington Sundar at No. 8 for the balance he offers,” Sangakkara added.

See Also: ENG vs IND 2025: 'Stokes faces his toughest challenge 'yet'—Michael Atherton previews Lord's Test

On England’s end, questions loom over their struggling pace unit. Broad admitted Chris Woakes was “unlucky” at Edgbaston but vouched for his strong Lord’s record. However, he warned against rushing in Jofra Archer or Gus Atkinson without adequate match fitness. “England plays well at Lord’s,” Broad said, “but this Indian attack—especially with Bumrah back—could pose a serious threat.”

Former England captain Michael Atherton believes Ben Stokes is facing the toughest test of his leadership as he prepares his side for the crucial third Test at Lord’s, following a crushing 336-run defeat to India in the second match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series at Edgbaston. With England now trailing 1–1, Atherton emphasized that the next two days would be crucial in lifting the morale of a wounded squad.

Atherton pointed out that, ahead of the series, much of the focus in England’s cricketing circles had been on the upcoming Ashes, with several former players and pundits treating the India series as a warm-up. However, the heavy loss in Birmingham has forced a rethink. “In the three years that Ben Stokes has captained England, it is hard to think that he has faced a sterner challenge than over the next two days, as he contemplates how to lift his players for the third Test at Lord’s,” Atherton wrote in his column for The Times. “It will be a massive test of his leadership and his own mental and physical resilience.”

He reflected on Stokes’ own comments before the second Test and the dramatic contrast in England’s approach and outcome. Atherton described the Edgbaston defeat as a direct punishment for England’s game plan and underscored the importance of recalibrating both tactics and energy. “The three days that Stokes used to shut himself off from the world after Leeds for his own benefit are essentially the days he must use now to rally his players,” he said.

Atherton Calls for Bowling Changes Ahead of Lord’s

Atherton also analyzed Stokes’ workload during the Edgbaston Test, noting how the physical toll has likely worsened with the pressure of defeat. “He spent 25 overs longer in the field; he bowled nine overs fewer and batted 16 minutes less. Defeat, of course, exacerbates matters. If he was feeling knackered after a win at Leeds and with a seven-day break, how must he have been feeling on Monday morning with the Lord’s Test three days away?” he wrote.

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Looking ahead to the team composition, Atherton suggested refreshing the seam attack, especially with Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson nearing full fitness. “I’d keep faith with the batting and freshen up the seam attack, bringing in [Jofra] Archer and [Gus] Atkinson for Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse,” he concluded, noting Atkinson’s strong Test record at Lord’s, where he has claimed 19 wickets at an average of 10.94 from just two matches.

England’s legendary pacer James Anderson has backed the idea of playing Jofra Archer in the upcoming third Test against India at Lord’s, calling it a crucial moment in the five-match series. With the contest currently level at 1–1 following England's heavy 336-run defeat at Edgbaston, Anderson believes Archer’s inclusion could turn the tide in favor of the hosts. Despite Archer’s long absence from the format, Anderson feels the time is right to unleash the speedster.

"You could keep trying to build his overs up and play him later in the series, but it could be too late by then. I think he will play," Anderson told the ICC. "He's played one game for Sussex; he was around the team at Edgbaston and bowled a bit. I just feel like you've got to play him. It's too crucial a game not to."

Archer has not played a Test match since early 2021 but has recently resumed red-ball cricket for Sussex and was with the England squad in Birmingham. The 29-year-old has struggled with injuries for the last few years, but the team's excitement at his involvement and return to fitness has been palpable.

McCullum Optimistic but Non-Committal on Archer Return

While Anderson made a strong case, England head coach Brendon McCullum remained cautious. He confirmed Archer was fit and available but didn’t confirm his selection. “Jofra is looking fit, he's looking strong, he's looking ready to go, and he'll come into calculations. It's hugely exciting. He's buzzing as well,” McCullum said.

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McCullum added that the team was hopeful Archer could make a strong comeback. “He's obviously been through his injuries and his time out of Test cricket. We all know what he's capable of achieving in Test cricket, and we hope that when the opportunity does arrive for him, he's able to recapture and also improve on what he's been able to do already in that form of the game.”

Meanwhile, England has named a 16-member squad for the Lord's Test, adding Gus Atkinson to their pace options alongside Jofra Archer. The squad includes Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, and Chris Woakes.

South Africa surprised everyone with an inspiring win over Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship final at Lord's. The Proteas managed to shed their chokers tag by winning an ICC event after a long time. South Africa showcased tremendous temperament in challenging playing conditions with their committed resolve.

Team India is all set to play a five-match test series against England from next week, and this win can be a motivational source for Team India. Team India will find the playing conditions tough, as it is difficult to beat England at home. Team India can certainly learn from South Africa on how to prepare for a challenging task. We discuss three key points that India can learn from South Africa as far as taking on England in England is concerned:

1. Preparing in the right manner

South Africa prepared well ahead of the WTC final as most of their players were recalled from franchise tournaments, including the IPL. The results were clearly visible as pacer Kagiso Rabada had enough time to prepare, and he was the one who played a crucial role in the win. He took 9 wickets in the entire match. He didn't even play the playoffs for the Gujarat Titans. On the other hand, Aiden Markram didn't play the last league match for Lucknow Super Giants against RCB to join the national team.

His century in the fourth innings turned out to be crucial for South Africa. On the other hand, key Team India players couldn't get preparation time during the 2023 WTC final due to IPL commitments, while some Australian players didn't play the 2023 IPL to prepare for the 2023 WTC final, and the result was visible.  

2.Dealing with Injuries and the team rebuilding phase

Former South African captain Dean Elgar's retirement call after the home test series against India was surprising. It was South Africa's first series of a new cycle, due to which they had to go back to a backup plan, and they had to appoint Temba Bavuma in a very short time. The team needed time to adjust under the leadership of a new captain. South Africa could hardly match Team India in the WTC points table during that period, and the team lost to a New Zealand team, which had new players. Players like Anrich Nortje, Gerald Coetzee and Nandre Burger's injuries gave the team management a tough time and they had to face problems while adding new players.

Players like Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch, Dane Paterson etc played their part during the entire WTC campaign. These players have added depth and enough options in the dugout. The Indian team is also in a similar situation in test cricket as they too are under a rebuilding phase in the five-day format after the retirement of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. It would be interesting to see how they cope up with this phase that could define their position in the next WTC cycle.

Also See:Watch: South Africa lifts Test mace after winning WTC Final 2025

3. Adjusting to conditions

South Africa won the toss in the final and elected to bowl first, knowing that the conditions and wicket would aid the batters as the match progressed, even though the conditions were overcast on the first day. South African bowlers bowled well and managed to bowl Australia out for 212.

Team India had also won the toss in the 2023 WTC final, but their bowlers couldn't take the advantage and allowed Australia to score 469, even though they were 76/3 at one stage. On the third day, when there was sunshine, South African batters took full advantage of the wicket and adjusted to conditions well that allowed their batters to play their shots as the ball was coming onto the bat nicely. Australian bowlers found it difficult to bowl on the wicket.