As the third Test between India and England heads into its final day at Lord's, former India wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik believes the hosts have a slight edge. With India needing 135 more runs and six wickets in hand, the game is tantalisingly poised.
But Karthik feels the momentum is with England after a dramatic fourth day. The match was largely a bat-friendly Test, but on Day 4, 14 wickets fell across both innings.
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England were bowled out for 192 in their second innings. They set India a target of 193.
India's chase got off to a rocky start as they stumbled to 58/4 by stumps, leaving the match wide open.
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Dinesh Karthik says England hold the upper hand heading into Day 5
Speaking on Sky Sports, Karthik said the pressure of a fourth-innings chase at Lord's was starting to show.
"It is definitely 60% England. They've got three big wickets already and a couple of wickets more there will be a lo of pressure and that makes you do very awkward and weird things. I think India have definitively got themselves into a bit of hole," he said.
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"Ideally, they would have wanted to not lose more than two wickets with 75-80 runs. England definitely hold the upper hand as of now," he added.
Dinesh Karthik DISAGREES with WinViz and thinks the outcome of the third Test is 60% in England's favour 👀 pic.twitter.com/RBNlsKeX2o
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 13, 2025
Unbeaten on 33, KL Rahul remains India's best hope on Day 5. Dinesh Karthik believes captain Shubman Gill will trust the experienced opener’s instincts but must guide the younger batters through the pressure.
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Karthik also praised night watchman Akash Deep. He held off England's bowlers until the final over of the day.
This ensured that Rishabh Pant didn't have to bat on Sunday evening. Now it's up to Rahul and Pant to carry India across the finish line as the visitors look to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match Test series.
IND vs. ENG 3rd Test: Betting odds
India are the current favourites to win the third Test at Lord's ahead of Day 5's play according to Dafabet's odds.
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| India | 1.52 |
| England | 2.48 |