As India take the field at Lord's once again for the third Test against England, it's not just another chapter in a long rivalry. It's a return to where it all began.
Nearly a century ago in June 1932, India played its first-ever international cricket match. And it happened at this very ground at Lord's.
Back then, India were not yet a Test-playing powerhouse. They were called "All-India," and their squad included names like Amar Singh, Lall Singh and Mohammad Nissar.
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The match was held from June 25 to 28. It marked India's official entry into Test cricket.
Facing a strong England side led by Douglas Jardine, India gave a spirited account of themselves even if the result -- a 158-run defeat -- didn't go their way.
India's Test debut at Lord's in 1932
Lord's welcomed India with blue skies, a crowd of 25,000 and a fast pitch. England batted first after winning the toss but were rattled early by India's bowling - three wickets fell for just 19 runs.
Captain Douglas Jardine turned the tide. His 79 helped England post 259.
India responded with 189 and despite a fighting 74-run partnership between Amar Singh and Lall Singh in the second innings, they were bowled out for 187 while chasing 346.
When India marked their arrival in International cricket
The significance of the 1932 match went beyond runs and wickets; it marked India's official arrival in international cricket.
It was a moment of pride during the colonial era. British reports recognised the Indian side's fielding, quality bowling and sportsmanship.
More: No centuries at Lord's: Five star batsmen who never managed to get on the famed Lord's honours board
The match even had royal attention. His Majesty King George V was present at Lord's and met players from both teams. It was a symbol of how far Indian cricket had come and how far it could go.
I first visited Lord’s as a teenager in 1988, and returned in 1989 with the Star Cricket Club team.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 10, 2025
I remember standing near the pavilion, soaking in the history and dreaming quietly.
Today, to have my portrait unveiled at this very place is a feeling that’s hard to put into… pic.twitter.com/ZC987eH8oZ
93 years later, Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill now walk the same turf once graced by Amar Singh and Nayudu.
The legendary Sachin Tendulkar also rang the five-minute bell before the third Test match between India and England on July 10, 2025. The venue remains the same but the stage is much bigger.