ENG vs IND 2025: Archer drew inspiration from Ganguly's iconic Lord's celebration in match-winning spell

England pacer Jofra Archer delivered a match-defining spell in the third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 against India at Lord’s, drawing unexpected inspiration from one of cricket’s most iconic moments, Sourav Ganguly’s shirt-waving celebration during the 2002 NatWest Trophy final.

While the connection may seem unlikely, the English captain Ben Stokes revealed that Archer was motivated by the memory of Ganguly defiantly waving his shirt from the Lord’s balcony, a moment that symbolised passion, and a statement of intent.

Archer’s fiery spell included a brilliant delivery that dismissed the aggressive Rishabh Pant, followed by a sharp return catch to remove Washington Sundar. These two key breakthroughs tilted the game in England’s favour, ultimately helping them seal a thrilling 22-run victory despite India’s spirited lower-order resistance.

“I just said to him this morning, 'You know what today is, don't you? You know that highlight package of India knocking off 300-odd back in the day with Ganguly?' He thought that was the World Cup final (of 2019). He thought that was six years today,” said Stokes at the post-match press conference.

Stokes consoles Siraj after England's win at Lord's

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Stokes consoles Siraj after England's win at Lord's

Interestingly, England’s win at Lord’s coincided with the anniversary of their 2019 World Cup final triumph, a match remembered for its dramatic and controversial finish. Stokes mentioned this to Archer, hoping to evoke memories of that historic day. However, Archer instead recalled Ganguly’s iconic celebration at the same venue, 23 years earlier, as his motivation.

“I was like, no, that World Cup that we won? He was like, 'Oh, that one.' He's an absolute beauty, that boy. I just had the feeling today that Rishabh Pant wicket was massive in a low run chase,” the skipper expressed further.

Furthermore, the Christchurch-born admitted that the memory of that historic day played a role in shaping the team’s selection and boosting their confidence heading into the Test. The strong bond between Stokes and Archer was clearly visible during the morning session, as the two shared words of encouragement and celebrated key breakthroughs together.

“We knew that turning up this morning was genuinely the reason why we went with me and Jof (Archer). It felt right in my tummy that Jof was going to do something this morning to break the game open. Gut feel doesn't always work, but those two wickets he got this morning obviously swung the game massively in our favour,” Stokes said.

“So he wanted me to come to mid-on and (Brydon) Carsey to go to leg slip so he could talk to me. But I didn't trust Carsey at leg slip, to be honest,” he added.

Stokes was deservingly named Player of the Match for leading England’s fightback. Despite recently returning from injury, he delivered a heavy workload, bowling 9.2 overs in the first innings and 10 in the second, consistently applying pressure on the Indian batters.

The Three Lions' leader acknowledged the physical and mental demands of captaining the side while bowling in such high-pressure situations. He also confirmed that he would be fit and ready for the fourth Test, which begins on July 23 at the Old Trafford in Manchester.

“Oh, yeah. I'll be absolutely sound for Manchester. It's a big break. Obviously, I was pretty tired after Headingley. But, yeah, after we walked off the field there, sort of whole new level of tiredness hit,” the star all-rounder, who was also the Player of the Match, said.

“I've been in games like that before, not as a captain, where I've been given the ball to run in and try to bowl the team to victory. But then now, adding on the decision-making around bowling changes, field placings, how I feel we're going to get this win. Obviously, there's a physical element of bowling in the fourth innings, but then it shouldn't be underestimated how the emotional and mental tiredness does also get you as well,” he concluded.