London: India’s bowlers etched their name into the record books on a gripping fourth day at Lords, skittling England for 192 and setting themselves a modest target of 193 to win the third Test. What stood out most, however, was the sheer precision of India’s bowling attack, which produced an astonishing 12 bowled dismissals across the match — the most by any team in a Test since 1960.

In England's second innings alone, seven batters were bowled, marking the highest ever number of bowled dismissals for India in a single Test innings. The record surpasses India’s previous best of six, a mark they had equalled on eight separate occasions. In total, India’s 12 bowled dismissals over both innings surpassed their previous match record of 10, also against England, in Hyderabad last year.

The pitch at Lords, wearing rapidly and offering both sharp turn and unpredictable bounce, proved treacherous for England’s batters. Joe Root offered the only real resistance with a composed knock, but lacked support from the other end. As partnerships faltered, India’s bowlers tightened their grip.

The final blow came from Washington Sundar, who produced a spell of relentless discipline. He claimed the last wicket — that of Shoaib Bashir — with a classic off-stump delivery that slid past the bat and shattered the stumps. It was Sundar’s fourth wicket of the innings, all of which came via bowled dismissals — a testament to his accuracy and control.

This was more than just statistical brilliance; it was a psychological statement. India’s bowlers didn’t merely dismiss England — they dismantled them at the stumps. With the momentum firmly in their favour, India now eye a historic win at the Home of Cricket, needing just 193 runs to seal the match and the series lead.