India Narrowly Lose Third Test at Lord’s
India suffered a heartbreaking 22-run defeat to England in a nail-biting conclusion to the third Test at Lord’s, giving England a 2–1 lead in the series (Japan open).
- Drama on Day 5: India chased 193 but were bowled out for 170. Ravindra Jadeja played a heroic innings—61 off 181 balls*—guiding India from 112‑8 to within striking distance (The Guardian).
- Jasprit Bumrah also starred, taking seven wickets in the match, including a fiery spell on Day 2, although fatigue muted his celebrations (The Hans India).
- England’s Ben Stokes thumped in 77 runs, grabbed five wickets, and orchestrated a crucial run‑out—earning Player of the Match honours (The Guardian).
- Shoaib Bashir, despite a finger injury, took the final wicket of Mohammed Siraj to seal the win (Reuters).
- Cricket legends praised India’s performance: Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly commended the team’s resolve, citing Jadeja, Bumrah, and Siraj particularly (The Hans India).
- Analysts weighed in: Dinesh Karthik and Nasser Hussain noted that the loss was due to faltering performance throughout the match, not only on the last day (YouTube).
Despite the loss, the grit shown in adversity and the lower-order resistance painted a picture of a resilient Indian side. The series now heads to Old Trafford.
Japan Open 2025 Begins in Tokyo
The Daihatsu Japan Open 2025 badminton tournament commenced on July 15, at Tokyo’s Metropolitian Gymnasium. As a BWF Super 750 event, it features a USD 950,000 prize purse (The Guardian, Wikipedia).
- Event details: Runs from July 15–20, marking the 42nd edition of this prestigious tournament (Wikipedia).
- High-stakes competition: Part of the HSBC BWF World Tour, with top-tier international players gathering in Tokyo (Daihatsu Japan Open 2025).
- Indian contenders: Ratuparna and Swetaparna Panda, Indian women’s singles players, are set to compete in the tournament, aiming to earn world ranking points and valuable experience. Their exact draw positions will be confirmed as the event progresses.
This tournament not only offers prize money and ranking points but serves as a crucial stage for players bidding to break into higher global standings
Spotlight on Players
- Ravindra Jadeja: Once again showcased world-class technique and tenacity with his unbeaten 61, reinforcing his value to the team (The Guardian).
- Jasprit Bumrah: Delivered an exceptional match with the ball. His five-wicket haul was hailed by teammates, though age and exhaustion tempered his celebration (NDTV Sports).
- Ratuparna & Swetaparna Panda: Following India’s strong badminton tradition, these sisters represent a promising next wave of talent at the Super 750 level, contributing to India’s international presence .
Broader Significance
- Test Series Outlook: India’s spirited performance keeps the series alive, though England now holds the upper hand heading into Old Trafford.
- Player development spotlight: Jadeja’s consistency and Bumrah’s leadership exemplify India’s bowling depth, while the Pandas’ presence at an elite badminton event underscores India’s growing footprint in the sport.
- Cultural pride: Bollywood and cricket fans alike celebrated the team’s colossal fight, reflecting national pride in sports resilience (The Guardian, The Times of India).
What’s Next
- Cricket: The fourth Test starts soon at Old Trafford, with India aiming to bounce back.
- Badminton: The Japan Open unfolds through July 20, offering knockout action—fans will be watching the Pandas’ progression and high-stakes matches throughout.
Though heartbreak lingered at Lord’s, India’s spirit soared across sports—from cricket’s mud and blood to badminton’s shuttlecock finesse.
