The third Test between England and India at Lord's is hanging in the balance after a dramatic Day 4 saw England's bowlers fight back to leave India reeling at 58 for 4 in pursuit of 193. After dismissing England for 192 in their second innings, India looked to be in a commanding position, but a top-order collapse has set up a tense final day.
Earlier in the day, Washington Sundar's superb spell of 4 for 22 spearheaded India's bowling attack as they bundled out England for 192. Joe Root top-scored for England with 40, while Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah chipped in with two wickets each. Resuming the day at 2/0, England's batting struggled against the Indian attack, with Sundar's off-spin proving particularly difficult to handle. Ben Stokes contributed 33 before being bowled by Sundar.
Having both scored 387 in their first innings, India were left needing 193 to win and potentially take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. However, their chase got off to a disastrous start as Yashasvi Jaiswal fell for a duck, caught by Jamie Smith off Jofra Archer. Karun Nair and captain Shubman Gill were then dismissed by Brydon Carse, leaving India in deep trouble. Gill's dismissal, in particular, was a significant blow, with the in-form captain adjudged lbw for 6. KL Rahul, who scored a century in the first innings, remained unbeaten on 33 at the close of play, offering some hope for the final day. Night-watchman Akash Deep was dismissed by Stokes off the final delivery of the day.
England's fightback was led by Brydon Carse, who picked up two crucial wickets. Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes also contributed with a wicket apiece. The English bowlers bowled with venom, making early inroads into the Indian batting lineup. Zak Crawley's tactics also added spice to the contest, with the England opener seemingly attempting to waste time, leading to some annoyance from the Indian side.
The match is now finely poised, with India needing 135 runs with six wickets in hand on the final day. KL Rahul holds the key to India's chances, while England will be looking to continue their momentum and wrap up the Indian innings. The pitch is offering turn for the spinners and uneven bounce, which could play a crucial role on the final day. All results are still possible, setting up a thrilling finish to the third Test at Lord's.