Lord’s will witness a landmark moment on Thursday as Sachin Tendulkar, arguably the most celebrated cricketer of all time, rings the five-minute bell for the first time in his career. The ceremony, which takes place just before the start of play, is a treasured tradition at the Home of Cricket, and having Tendulkar do the honours adds another layer of history to an already significant Test match. The bell, placed outside the Bowlers’ Bar in the Lord’s Pavilion, has been rung by cricketing greats, officials, and sporting legends since 2007. Despite his iconic status, Tendulkar had never previously taken part in this ritual.
His presence on Thursday will set the tone as India and England lock horns in the third Test of the five-match series. Tendulkar joins an elite list that includes the likes of Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Ian Botham, Shane Warne, Sunil Gavaskar, Rahul Dravid, and Kapil Dev.
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The match, part of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, carries plenty of weight. With the series level at 1-1, both teams will be eager to seize control at a venue that has seen historic battles unfold over the decades. England turn to Jofra Archer for a spark, while India welcome back Jasprit Bumrah as they aim to build on their Edgbaston triumph. Tendulkar’s bell ringing is more than ceremonial as it symbolises the legacy of the past meeting the pulse of the present, right at the heart of cricket’s grandest stage.
