England pacer Jofra Archer delivered a match-winning stint against India in the third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 at Lord’s, drawing unexpected inspiration from one of cricket’s most legendary moments, Sourav Ganguly’s shirt-waving celebration during the 2002 NatWest Trophy final.
While the connection may appear improbable, English captain Ben Stokes stated that Archer was inspired by the recollection of Ganguly defiantly waving his shirt from the Lord’s balcony, a moment that represented passion and a statement of intent.
Archer’s scorching stint included a stunning delivery that removed the aggressive Rishabh Pant, followed by a crisp return catch that eliminated Washington Sundar.
These two vital breakthroughs swung the game in England’s direction, allowing them to secure a dramatic 22-run victory despite India’s valiant lower-order effort.
“I told him this morning, ‘You know what today is, don’t you? You remember the highlight package of India knocking off 300-odd back in the day with Ganguly? He thought it was the 2019 World Cup final. “He thought it was six years today,” Stokes remarked at the post-match press conference.
Interestingly, England’s victory at Lord’s coincided with the anniversary of their 2019 World Cup final victory, a game noted for its dramatic and contentious ending. Stokes addressed this to Archer, intending to elicit memories of that important day. Archer, on the other hand, drew inspiration from Ganguly’s legendary celebration 23 years ago at the same place.
“I was like, no, the World Cup we won? He said, ‘Oh, that one.’ That boy is just beautiful. “I just had the feeling today that Rishabh Pant’s wicket was massive in a low-run chase,” the skipper added.
Furthermore, the Christchurch native acknowledged that the memories of that momentous day influenced the team’s selection and boosted their confidence going into the Test. During the morning session, Stokes and Archer shared encouraging words and celebrated major milestones together, demonstrating their strong friendship.
“We realised that showing up this morning was indeed the reason we went with me and Jof (Archer). I had a feeling Jof was going to do something to crack the game open this morning. Gut instinct doesn’t always work, but those two wickets he took this morning clearly shifted the game in our favour,” Stokes added.
“So he wanted me to come to mid-on and (Brydon) Carsey to go to leg slip so he could speak with me. To be honest, I didn’t trust Carsey on the leg slip.”
Stokes was rightfully selected Player of the Match for spearheading England’s comeback. Despite his recent return from injury, he bowled a strong workload, 9.2 overs in the first innings and 10 in the second, continually putting pressure on the Indian batters.
The Three Lions skipper acknowledged the physical and mental responsibilities of leading the team while bowling in such high-pressure situations. He also reaffirmed that he would be fit and ready for the fourth Test, which starts on July 23 at Old Trafford in Manchester.
“Oh, yes. I’ll be completely prepared for Manchester. It’s a huge break. Obviously, I was fatigued after Headingley. But, certainly, when we walked off the pitch there, a whole other level of exhaustion set in’, added the star all-rounder, who was also named Player of the Match.
“I’ve played games like that before, but not as captain, where I was given the ball and had to rush in and bowl the team to victory. But now, with the decision-making over bowling adjustments and field placements, I’m confident we’ll win. Obviously, there’s a physical aspect to bowling in the fourth innings, but don’t overlook how emotional and cerebral fatigue affects you as well,” he added.
India
