In the thrilling world of Test cricket, two records have recently caught the attention of fans and experts alike: the rare feat of players being part of multiple Test hat-tricks, and England’s narrow 22-run victory over India at Lord’s, which set a new record for the closest win by runs at this iconic venue. In this article, we’ll explore both fascinating topics, including a deep dive into the history of hat-tricks in Test cricket and the closest Test victories at Lord’s.
Players Involved in Multiple Test Hat-Tricks
In the realm of Test cricket, taking a hat-trick is a rare achievement. To be part of more than one hat-trick in a Test career is even more remarkable. As of 2025, four players have been part of more than one Test hat-trick, with the most recent being Justin Greaves. Greaves became the first player to be part of two Test hat-tricks in the same year: one by Scott Boland and another by Pakistan’s Noman Ali.
The first player to achieve this was South African wicketkeeper Tommy Ward. He was the third victim in two different innings during the 1912 Triangular Tournament at Old Trafford. Ward was part of the first-ever Test hat-trick, taken by Australian leg-spinner Jimmy Matthews. Ward’s unusual feat of completing a king pair made this instance particularly memorable.
In more recent times, Australian leg-spinner Stuart MacGill was also part of two Test hat-tricks. He was the middle victim in both Darren Gough’s hat-trick in 1999 and Jermaine Lawson’s in 2003. Sri Lanka’s Romesh Kaluwitharana also found himself in the position of being the first victim in two separate Test hat-tricks: one by Wasim Akram in 1999 and another by Abdul Razzaq in 2000. Akram achieved his hat-tricks in successive matches against Sri Lanka, but the batters were all different.
However, the record for the most Test hat-tricks involving a single player belongs to Stuart Broad. Broad has been involved in three Test hat-tricks: he took two himself, one against India in 2011 and another against Sri Lanka in 2014. He also became the victim in Peter Siddle’s famous birthday hat-trick against Australia in 2010. This rare feat makes Broad the only player to be part of three Test hat-tricks.
Is England’s 22-Run Victory the Closest Ever at Lord’s?
England’s recent 22-run victory over India at Lord’s in 2025 set a new benchmark in the history of Test cricket at this iconic venue. This narrow margin of victory by runs is the closest in the 149 Test matches played at Lord’s. Prior to this, the closest victory margin by runs was 43 runs, when Australia defeated England in 2023.
The 22-run win broke the record of a 43-run margin, which had previously stood as the smallest victory margin by runs in Test history at Lord’s. The margin of victory by runs had been steadily shrinking over the years. For example, South Africa beat England by 51 runs in 2012, and Australia defeated England by 61 runs in 1888. But none came as close as this match in 2025.
Interestingly, the closest Test victory at Lord’s in terms of wickets came in 1992, when Pakistan defeated England by just two wickets. This was one of the most nail-biting finishes in Lord’s Test history. Additionally, another two-wicket win came in 2000 when England defeated the West Indies, further adding to the thrill of close contests at this historic ground, inspiration for Afganistan.
Perhaps the closest Test ever played at Lord’s, however, ended in a draw: the famous 1963 Test match against the West Indies, where England, needing just six runs to win, were nine down. West Indies were 11 for 6 during a horrific collapse in Jamaica, but they held on, eventually seeing the match end in a dramatic draw.
India’s Closest Test Win Ever?
India’s six-run win at The Oval was historic. It happened on August 4, 2025. It was their closest Test victory by runs. Before this, India won by 13 runs.
In 2004, India beat Australia in Mumbai. Australia scored 93 chasing 107. The Oval win was tighter. Only seven close Test wins were narrower.
Two teams won by one run. West Indies beat Australia in 1993. New Zealand defeated England in 2023. Fifteen teams won by one wicket. India’s one-wicket win was in 2010. It was against Australia in Mohali. VVS Laxman and Pragyan Ojha starred. The Oval match was intense.
Mohammed Siraj took five wickets. He bowled out Gus Atkinson. Chris Woakes batted with one arm. India celebrated a huge cricket milestone.
The match drew 27,000 fans. It was a sold-out Oval Test. Shubman Gill led as captain. His team fought hard without Jasprit Bumrah. This win made cricket history. India’s young team proved strong. The series ended 2-2. Fans loved the dramatic finish.
Test Hat-Tricks in the Modern Game
The rarity of a hat-trick in Test cricket makes it one of the most exciting events on the field. Historically, hat-tricks have been celebrated moments, and the recent feats of players like Justin Greaves and Stuart Broad highlight the evolution of this remarkable achievement in the modern era.
In the recent series, players like Scott Boland and Noman Ali added their names to the growing list of hat-trick takers, while Justin Greaves became the first player to experience the rare misfortune of being part of two different hat-tricks in the same year.
The trend of hat-tricks in modern cricket highlights how fast bowlers, and even spinners, continue to innovate and push the limits of what’s possible on the field. These thrilling moments provide fans with unforgettable memories and add to the rich history of Test cricket.
Conclusion
England’s 22-run victory in the 2025 Test against India at Lord’s was historic for multiple reasons, which was followed by India’s win at 6 runs at the Oval. This victory not only set a new record for the narrowest victory margin at Lord’s and the Oval but also added another chapter to the thrilling history of Test cricket at this iconic grounds. The victory showcased the resilience of the English team, which held its nerve in an intense battle against India.
India’s six-run Oval Test win was thrilling. It was their closest Test victory. Mohammed Siraj bowled like a hero. The Test series 2025 ended 2-2. Four team changes by both teams were rare. It wasn’t a record, though. Ravindra Jadeja set a big cricket milestone. His runs and wickets amazed fans.
The Oval Test drew huge crowds. Shubman Gill led a young team. India fought without key players. Their win made cricket history.
This series was super exciting. It showed India’s strength. Cricket records were broken. Want more cricket stories? Test cricket at Lord’s has seen some of the most exciting and close matches in history. The recent 22-run victory by England over India is now the closest victory by runs in Lord’s history, surpassing the previous record of 43 runs.
In addition, the rare feat of players being part of multiple Test hat-tricks continues to add excitement to the sport. Players like Stuart Broad and Justin Greaves have etched their names in cricket history by being involved in these extraordinary achievements.
