Daijiworld Media Network - London

London, Jul 10: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar added another iconic moment to his storied legacy on Thursday as he rang the historic five-minute bell at Lord’s, officially commencing the opening day of the third Test between India and England. The highly anticipated match is part of the five-Test series currently locked at 1-1, with both teams eager to seize the lead.

Tendulkar, accompanied by his wife Anjali, greeted a packed Lord’s crowd with a wave and a traditional namaste before ringing the bell — a revered tradition at the "Home of Cricket" since 2007. The ritual, carried out near the bowlers’ bar, has seen participation from Indian greats such as Sunil Gavaskar, Sourav Ganguly, and Rahul Dravid in the past.

Adding to the significance of the day, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) unveiled Tendulkar’s official portrait, painted by acclaimed British artist Stuart Pearson Wright, at the MCC Museum. The portrait will be displayed there temporarily before moving to the iconic Lord’s Pavilion later this year.

“This is a special honour, not just for me, but for everyone who has been a part of my journey,” Tendulkar said during the occasion.

Later, he was seen engaging in a conversation with former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, drawing attention from fans and media alike.

Tendulkar, who retired in 2013, remains the highest run-scorer in international cricket history, amassing 34,357 runs across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is — over 6,000 more than his nearest challenger, Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara.

Big Boosts for Both Teams on Match Day

On the field, both teams welcomed key pace reinforcements. For India, Jasprit Bumrah returned to the playing XI in place of Prasidh Krishna, strengthening the bowling attack. England, meanwhile, saw the comeback of speedster Jofra Archer, who is playing his first Test in over four years following prolonged injury layoffs to his elbow and back. He replaces Josh Tongue in the lineup.

The day marked not just the continuation of a fiercely contested series, but also a heartfelt tribute to one of cricket’s most cherished icons — both through tradition and timeless art.