The Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy has been Test cricket at its very best — thrilling battles, unforgettable moments, and pure edge-of-the-seat drama. Recap it all here with the Barmy Army!
Bazball strikes again at Headingley
The first Test already feels like a lifetime ago, but what a way to kick off the series. Back at the scene of that 2019 miracle, England delivered another Headingley heist — chasing down 378 in style to notch one of the finest wins of the Bazball era.
Ben Duckett stole the show with a blistering 149, setting the tone for a chase that even outdid Stokesy’s Ashes epic by 12 runs. Only Bradman’s 1948 Invincibles have hunted down more at this ground — decent company to be in.
There were wobbles (of course there were). Stokes fell to a rogue reverse sweep with the finish line still in sight, but Joe Root and Jamie Smith kept their cool. The latter sealed the deal by launching Jadeja into the stands, leaving 14 overs in the bank and Headingley in raptures.
This team makes the improbable feel routine — long may it continue.
Edgbaston ends with a bump — series level
After the Headingley heroics, it was India’s turn to shine — and shine they did. England were handed a humbling 336-run defeat as the visitors claimed their first-ever Test win at Edgbaston, levelling the series in style.
Bazball’s never been about playing it safe, and chasing 608 was always going to take something extraordinary. This time, the miracle didn’t come off — but not for lack of trying.
Shubman Gill was unstoppable with the bat (269 & 161), while India’s bowlers were ruthless on Day 5. Akash Deep’s fiery spell did the early damage, and despite Smith’s fighting fifty and a few meaty blows, England couldn’t hold on.
India deserves credit for their clinical performance. But with the series poised at 1-1, there was still everything to play for. Bazball’s not going anywhere. Onto the next!
Lord Stokes (and Lord’s) deliver another classic
What. A. Test. This series just keeps delivering, and at the Home of Cricket, we got a finish for the ages.
Six years to the day since he helped England become world champions, Ben Stokes once again dragged his team over the line — this time with a tired body and about ten gallons of pure willpower. Two monster spells with the ball showed once again why he’s built differently.
But this wasn’t a one-man show. Shoaib Bashir, with a dodgy finger, cool as you like, cleaned up the final wicket of Siraj to seal the tightest-ever Test win at Lord’s. Cue limbs. Cue chaos. Cue the Barmy.
India didn’t go quietly — Ravindra Jadeja nearly pulled off something special, but it just wasn’t to be. Not on Stokesy’s day. Not on July 14th. Not at Lord’s. Series 2-1. Two Tests to go. Bazball’s still rolling. Let’s finish the job.
Up Next
Liam Dawson returns to the Test squad after eight years, replacing the injured Shoaib Bashir for the fourth Test at Old Trafford. The pitch is expected to offer early pace and bounce before turning later, making spin a key factor by Day 3.
With cloudy skies and a bit of moisture around, swing could play a big role — perfect for the likes of Woakes and Bumrah. Barring late showers on Days 4 and 5, we’re set for a full five-day contest in Manchester, then it’s onto the Oval!
ARTICLE WRITTEN BY JOE TURNER.
