Ben Stokes has singled out Jofra Archer as the key to England's dramatic 22-run victory over India in the third Test at Lord's, which gave them a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Stokes praised Archer's impact on the game, highlighting his game-changing spell that included two crucial wickets.

India, chasing a target of 193, were bowled out for 170 on the final day. Ravindra Jadeja's valiant unbeaten 61 kept India in the hunt, but Shoaib Bashir, returning from a finger injury, sealed the victory by dismissing Mohammed Siraj.

Stokes pointed to Archer's return to the team as a major factor in the victory. "It's awesome to have him back," Stokes said. "When he turns it on and the speeds come up on the screen, the feeling in the game changes." Stokes revealed that he had a "gut feeling" about Archer delivering something special, despite Brydon Carse also bowling well. Archer, playing his first Test in four years due to injury setbacks, took the crucial wickets of Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar in the first 30 minutes of play on Day 5. He also completed an "impeccable catch" to dismiss Sundar.

The England captain also lauded the overall team performance, acknowledging the tense nature of the match. "It was an extraordinary finish," Stokes said. He also noted the significance of the win occurring six years to the day after England's 2019 World Cup victory, in which Archer played a key role.

The match was filled with twists and turns. England looked to be in control after reducing India to 112-8 at lunch. However, Jadeja's resistance brought India close to the target before Bashir's final strike. Stokes himself contributed with a "marathon spell" of 15.2 overs, claiming a crucial wicket.

Shubman Gill, the Indian captain, praised his team's effort despite the loss. "Five days of hard-fought cricket and it comes down to the last session, last wicket — tremendously proud of the effort," Gill said. He expressed confidence in India's chase but admitted that England "played better than us."

The victory at Lord's was particularly sweet for Stokes, who has battled personal tragedy and mental health issues in recent years. His leadership and performance in the match demonstrated his resilience and importance to the England team.

With the series now at 2-1, the fourth Test will be held at Emirates Old Trafford from July 23-27, followed by the fifth and final Test at The Kia Oval from July 31-August 4.