India Slip in WTC Standings Following Close Defeat to England at Lord's

In an intriguing match with its share of ups and downs, India was beaten by 22 runs against England in the third Test at Lord's. This defeat not only gave England a 2-1 series lead in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series but also brought about a dramatic change in the points table of the World Test Championship 2025–27. The dramatic conclusion witnessed England keeping their cool on the fifth day as India fell apart under pressure while pursuing a modest total of 193. After being dismissed for 170 in the last session, India's position within the WTC standings suffered a serious setback.

Prior to this match, India were comfortably placed at second position on the WTC table. However, with only a single victory in three Tests during the present cycle, their points percentage has decreased to 33.33. This decline has dropped India to the fourth spot. Bangladesh and West Indies alone are below them presently. Bangladesh's points percentage is 16.67 from two games whereas West Indies have not yet achieved a win from two matches. The rest of the teams like New Zealand Pakistan Sri Lanka and South Africa are yet to kick off their campaigns and their positions can be altered as they continue through their fixtures.

Conversely this tight win was a morale booster for England. With a points percentage of 50 coming into this Test they have now risen to 66.67 with the win. This puts them in joint second place alongside Sri Lanka and only behind Australia who continue to dominate the table with a perfect record. For England the Lord’s victory was not just about the scoreboard but also about momentum confidence and a return to the style of cricket that wins tight games. Each of the points in the WTC counts and England holding their nerve to defend a low score under pressure will be a huge morale booster for the rest of the matches.

The Lord's Test itself was an unusual thrill. The two teams posted exactly 387 each in their first innings highlighting exactly how even the match was. For England Joe Root again demonstrated why he is amongst the world's best with a classy hundred. He was well assisted by Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse who contributed vital runs down the order. India's reply was equally powerful. KL Rahul hit a gorgeous hundred steering the innings and Rishabh Pant hammered a furious 74 and Ravindra Jadeja played with poise with his 72. With the bowling, Jasprit Bumrah was exceptional again taking a five-wicket haul and Washington Sundar made a big difference with 4 wickets for 22 runs in the second innings.

But it was the last innings that turned things around. India began their pursuit of 193 on the back foot. At stumps on Day 4, they had lost four wickets for only 58 runs. England's pace attack spearheaded by Jofra Archer Ben Stokes and Brydon Carse was in devastating form. India's top order just could not come up with any responses to the pace and swing. Jadeja attempted to rally the tail and helped add some hope with the help of Bumrah and Siraj. There were times when India seemed like they could pull off a miracle but an absurd dismissal of Siraj changed the game. A ball struck his pad and rolled back onto the stumps and the innings came to an end leaving India painfully short by only 22 runs.

This victory has made the final two matches in the series must-win games for India. Not only for saving the series but also to remain in hot contention for the World Test Championship final. The WTC system of points favors consistency and penalizes each loss so every Test becomes that much more important. India now cannot risk another blip. Each and every point will matter in the future and the team must pull themselves together quickly. The likes of Gill Pant and Bumrah have played patches of brilliance but the overall consistency needs to be better if they wish to match the likes of Australia and England at the top.

In contrast England will be confident for the fourth Test. Their bowlers have developed rhythm while their batsmen are displaying grit. Joe Root's form is a big plus and the comeback of Archer has been a big boost to their bowling attack. The series is very much alive and both teams have everything to fight for. With WTC table so close with each Test now having a direct consequence on whoever ultimately reaches the final, this has set up an intriguing contest. Australia is ahead comfortably at the moment but with so many matches still to be played the competition remains wide open.

This WTC cycle has already produced thrilling cricket and shocking twists. India's fall down the table following the Lord's Test is a stark reminder of how crucial each match is. Shubman Gill and his team now find themselves under pressure to come back. They still have two chances to redeem themselves not only for the series but to also move up the WTC standings. As fans eagerly await the next Test Match the stage is laid out for more drama more intensity and more twists in this highly contested World Test Championship.