Table of Contents
Day 4 of the third Test between England and India at Lord’s delivered high drama, fierce exchanges, and a cauldron-like atmosphere, as Ben Stokes taunted KL Rahul and the England crowd unleashed a chorus of boos at Team India. With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy on the line and the series finely poised, Sunday’s play was a gripping showcase of Test cricket’s emotional and competitive edge.
Ben Stokes’ sarcastic clap at KL Rahul
The flashpoint arrived late in the final session. With India’s chase of 193 runs hanging by a thread, England captain Ben Stokes walked up to Indian opener KL Rahul and delivered a slow, sarcastic clap—mirroring Indian skipper Shubman Gill’s gesture towards Zak Crawley a day earlier. The provocation came as India appeared to stall for time, with nightwatchman Akash Deep receiving treatment for a leg issue and the clock ticking down.
Stokes’ mock applause was a pointed reminder of the previous evening’s controversy, when Gill had accused Crawley of time-wasting and responded with a similar gesture. This time, the roles were reversed, and Stokes seized the opportunity to needle Rahul, who managed a wry smile in response.
England crowd boos Team India
The Lord’s crowd, never shy about expressing their views, responded with loud boos directed at the Indian team as play was delayed. The tension in the stands reflected the intensity on the field, with both teams accused of gamesmanship and time-wasting over the course of the match.
Here’s the video:
Ben Stokes clapping for KL Rahul.
The only man standing between England and a win. Stokes key for England and Rahul for us.
PS: ben stokes is Benstokes#KLRahul pic.twitter.com/4TDHeaN3Vo
— Ꭺkash ❄️ (@Real_masoom1) July 13, 2025
Earlier in the day, England’s players had shown visible frustration as India slowed the pace, echoing the previous day’s drama. The emotional needle between the sides added another layer to an already enthralling contest.
Also WATCH: Washington Sundar entices Ben Stokes into playing a false shot on Day 4 of Lord’s Test
Match situation: Test hangs in the balance
On a pitch offering plenty for the bowlers, India bowled England out for 192 in their second innings, with Washington Sundar starring with 4 for 22. Chasing 193 for victory, India stumbled to 58 for 4 at stumps, with Rahul unbeaten on 33 and Akash Deep bowled by Stokes on the final ball of the day.
England, needing six more wickets, finished the day in the ascendancy, while India require 135 runs on the final day to claim a famous win. With both sides trading blows on and off the field, the Test is set for a thrilling conclusion.
