Yuvraj Singh rings Lord's five-minute bell ahead of India-England ODI decider
Synopsis
Yuvraj Singh, the hero of India's 2002 NatWest final at the very same ground, returned to Lord's on 19 July to ring the iconic five-minute bell ahead of the India-England ODI series decider — a moment that bridged two decades of Indian cricket history in one ceremonial toll.
Key Takeaways
Yuvraj Singh rang the iconic five-minute bell at Lord's Cricket Ground on 19 July ahead of the third and deciding ODI between India and England.
His wife, actor Hazel Keech , and MCC officials stood alongside him during the ceremony.
West Indies greats Brian Lara and Clive Lloyd were also present at the series decider.
The Lord's bell-ringing tradition has been in place since 2007 , reserved for notable cricketers and administrators.
Yuvraj scored 69 off 63 balls in India's 2002 NatWest Series final win at Lord's, and was Player of the Tournament at the 2011 ODI World Cup .
The MCC awarded Yuvraj its Honorary Life Membership in 2023 .
Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh on Sunday, 19 July performed the honorary ritual of ringing the iconic five-minute bell at Lord's Cricket Ground in London, signalling the start of play for the series-deciding third ODI between India and England. The moment added a layer of nostalgia to an already charged occasion at the 'Home of Cricket'.
The Ceremony at Lord's
Dressed in a well-tailored suit, Yuvraj stood beside the famous bell positioned outside the Bowlers' Writing Room in the Pavilion, performing the honour to an enthusiastic crowd. Standing alongside him were his wife, actor Hazel Keech, along with officials and members of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). West Indies legends Brian Lara and Clive Lloyd were also in attendance for the high-stakes decider.
The MCC had pre-announced the moment to spectators: 'The five-minute bell will be rung by the former India international Yuvraj Singh,' the club stated in an official pre-match communication.
A Tradition Since 2007
The Lord's bell-ringing tradition was introduced in 2007, with an international cricketer, administrator, or distinguished cricket enthusiast invited to ring it to signal that five minutes remain before the day's play begins. The honour is considered one of the more intimate ceremonial roles at the ground.
Yuvraj's Connection to Lord's
Yuvraj's appearance at Lord's stirred memories of his match-winning 69 off 63 balls in India's historic NatWest Series final victory at the very same venue in 2002 — one of the most celebrated chases in Indian cricket history. In a stellar international career, Yuvraj represented India in 40 Tests, 304 ODIs, and 58 T20Is, and was named Player of the Tournament at the 2011 ODI World Cup.
In 2023, the MCC conferred upon him its Honorary Life Membership — a distinction that underlines his standing in the global cricket community. Yuvraj has since channelled his experience into mentoring, working closely with young India opener Abhishek Sharma and current ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill.
Series Context
The third ODI is a series decider after a split in the first two matches — India claimed the opener in Birmingham, while England levelled in Cardiff. With the series on the line, Yuvraj's presence at Lord's — a ground where he has left his own indelible mark — lent the occasion a fitting sense of occasion and continuity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Yuvraj Singh ring the bell at Lord's?
Yuvraj Singh was invited by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) to perform the honorary ritual of ringing the iconic five-minute bell at Lord's Cricket Ground on 19 July, ahead of the series-deciding third ODI between India and England. The bell signals that five minutes remain before play begins.
What is the Lord's five-minute bell tradition?
The tradition of ringing the five-minute bell at Lord's was introduced in 2007. A notable international cricketer, administrator, or distinguished cricket enthusiast is invited to ring it before each day's play commences, marking the occasion ceremonially.
What is Yuvraj Singh's connection to Lord's Cricket Ground?
Yuvraj Singh played a pivotal role in India's historic NatWest Series final victory at Lord's in 2002, scoring 69 off 63 balls. The ground holds deep significance in his career, making his selection for the bell-ringing ceremony particularly resonant.
Who else was present at the Lord's ODI decider?
West Indies legends Brian Lara and Clive Lloyd were in attendance at Lord's for the series-deciding third ODI. Yuvraj's wife, actor Hazel Keech, and MCC officials were also present during the bell-ringing ceremony.
What is Yuvraj Singh's current role in Indian cricket?
Yuvraj Singh has taken on a mentoring role, working with young India opener Abhishek Sharma and current ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill. In 2023, the MCC awarded him its Honorary Life Membership in recognition of his contribution to the sport.
