India’s long running Lord’s Curse refused to break on 14 July 2025 when Ben Stokes’ England edged a nerve shredding Test by 22 runs, bowling the tourists out for 170 while defending 193 on the final afternoon.
Off spinner Shoaib Bashir trapped Mohammed Siraj to seal the win after Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten 61 had dragged India from 112‑8 to within touching distance of glory. England now lead the five match Anderson‑Tendulkar Trophy series 2‑1.
That outcome extends a lopsided ledger at the “Home of Cricket”. Since the team’s first met here in 1932, England have won 14 of 21 Tests, India just two, and only twice has the match ended level. The latest defeat feels cruel, but history shows Lord’s has rarely been kind to visiting Indian sides.
India’s history at Lord’s has been a mix of tough losses and rare highs. In 1974, England scored 629 and bowled India out for just 42, winning by an innings and 285 runs, a collapse still remembered today.
India’s first win came in 1986 when Dilip Vengsarkar scored 126 and Kapil Dev sealed the victory with a six, giving India a famous five wicket win.
In 2011, Kevin Pietersen’s double century and James Anderson’s swing helped England win by 196 runs in the ground’s 100th Test.
Three years later in 2014, Joe Root’s 149 and Chris Jordan’s four wickets led to an innings and 244 run defeat, India’s biggest loss at Lord’s in recent times.
Only two matches, in 1936 and 2007, ended in draws, thanks to rain and strong lower order batting, with Rahul Dravid’s team hanging on in the final moments.
This week’s thriller showed India closer than ever to mastering the slope, swing and occasion, yet the final margin again fell England’s way.
The “Curse” endures not through mystique but because Lord’s rewards discipline over flair, local experience over raw talent.
Until India seize crucial moments, whether a careless leave or a catch at second slip, the honours board is likely to keep favouring the hosts, and the phrase Lord’s Curse will remain staple headline fodder every English summer.
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