England secured a sensational 22-run victory against India in the third Test at Lord's, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. The match was filled with twists and turns, ultimately decided in a nail-biting finish on the fifth day. The victory was sealed when Shoaib Bashir bowled Mohammed Siraj, sparking celebrations among the England team and fans.
India, chasing a target of 193, were bowled out for 170. Ravindra Jadeja's valiant effort of 61 not out went in vain as he watched wickets fall around him. Despite his impressive innings, India fell short of the target. The final blow was delivered by Shoaib Bashir, who had spent much of the day off the field nursing a finger injury. His return to dismiss Siraj proved decisive.
The match was a gripping contest between two top teams. England's Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer played pivotal roles in the victory. Archer's return to the Test team was marked by crucial wickets, while Stokes contributed with both bat and ball. India's Shubman Gill acknowledged England's strong performance, noting that they "played better than us".
Beyond the thrilling on-field action, Joe Root's sportsmanship shone brightly. After the final wicket, Root led the England team in consoling a dejected Mohammed Siraj, a gesture that won hearts after a match filled with intense competition. This act of kindness exemplifies Root's character and his respect for the game.
Earlier in the series, Root had also made headlines for his compassion. During the second Test at Edgbaston, he gifted a signed jersey and gloves to a 12-year-old blind fan named Ravi. This heartwarming gesture further solidified Root's reputation as a class act, demonstrating his awareness and appreciation for his supporters. Root read out the message he wrote for Ravi, "To Ravi, keep enjoying this sport and thank you for your support. Best wishes from me".
Root has displayed similar acts of sportsmanship in the past. In a T20 Blast match in 2021, as captain of Yorkshire, Root refused to run out a Lancashire batsman who had collapsed mid-pitch due to injury. This decision was praised as a "great gesture of sportsmanship,".
The Lord's Test win was hard-fought, with England having to overcome a strong Indian side. The match saw momentum swing back and forth, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the very end. Ultimately, England held their nerve to secure a memorable victory and take the lead in the series.