Series on the Line as India, England Clash at Lord’s in Decisive Third ODI

London, July 2026 : India and England are set for a high-stakes showdown at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on Sunday as the third and final ODI will decide the winner of the three-match series, currently locked at 1-1. After both teams registered contrasting victories in Birmingham and Cardiff, the series now heads to the historic Home of Cricket for a winner-takes-all finale.

England enter the decider with momentum after a clinical performance in Cardiff, inspired by veteran batter Joe Root, whose unbeaten 99 guided the hosts to victory. The former England captain has now recorded five successive ODI half-centuries, reaffirming his status as one of the world’s most consistent batters in the 50-over format.

Root’s battle with India’s premier fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was one of the defining contests of the second ODI. Having successfully negotiated Bumrah’s threat in Cardiff, Root will once again be central to England’s hopes, while the Indian pace spearhead will look to bounce back with a match-winning spell at Lord’s.

For India, the biggest positive from the previous match was the return to form of Virat Kohli. The former skipper played a composed knock of 65, showing glimpses of his vintage best. Kohli now stands just one 50-plus score away from equalling Kumar Sangakkara’s record for the most 50-plus scores against England in ODIs. He also crossed the milestone of 1,400 ODI runs in England, strengthening his impressive overseas record.

India will, however, be concerned about captain Rohit Sharma’s recent form. The experienced opener has managed only one half-century in eight ODI innings this year and will be eager to lead from the front in the series decider.

Another boost for India could come with the return of KL Rahul, whose absence in Cardiff was felt in the middle order. Since the beginning of 2025, Rahul has been one of India’s most dependable ODI batters, consistently averaging above 50. The visitors will also have to adjust their team combination after all-rounder Washington Sundar was ruled out of the final ODI.

Lord’s has witnessed several memorable moments for Indian cricket, but the visitors have not won an ODI at the famous venue since 2004. Ending that drought would hand India the series and provide a fitting end to the tour.

England, under captain Harry Brook, will bank on the experience of Joe Root, wicketkeeper Jos Buttler, explosive opener Ben Duckett, all-rounders Will Jacks, Jacob Bethell and Sam Curran, alongside a potent bowling attack featuring Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood and Josh Tongue.

India, captained by Shubman Gill, will rely on senior stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, vice-captain Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep Singh to deliver under pressure.

Squads

England: Harry Brook (Captain), Joe Root, Jos Buttler (Wicketkeeper), Ben Duckett, Tom Banton, Will Jacks, Jacob Bethell, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Rehan Ahmed, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Saqib Mahmood, Josh Tongue, James Coles.

India: Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (Vice-Captain), KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper), Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Gurnoor Brar, Prince Yadav, Washington Sundar*.

Washington Sundar has been ruled out of the third ODI due to injury.

Match Details

• Match: 3rd ODI (Series level 1-1)
• Date: Sunday, July 19
• Time: 3:30 PM IST
• Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
• Live Telecast: Sony Sports Network
• Live Streaming: JioHotstar app and website

With the series finely balanced, two cricketing powerhouses, a packed Lord’s crowd and several world-class players in action, the final ODI promises to be an exciting contest as both teams battle for series honours.