England clinched a thrilling 22-run victory against India in the third Test at Lord's, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. The match, filled with twists and turns, saw England hold their nerve on the final day to secure a dramatic win.
India, resuming Day 5 on 58/4, needed 135 runs to win. However, England's pace attack came out strong, reducing India to 112/8 by lunch. Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes spearheaded England's bowling attack, taking three wickets each. Archer, in his first Test after a four-year absence due to injury, bowled with express pace, reminiscent of his 2019 form. Stokes also bowled a long spell of 24 overs.
Despite the pressure, Ravindra Jadeja stood firm, scoring an unbeaten 61 off 181 deliveries. He batted with composure and grit, nearly pulling off an improbable victory alongside the lower order. Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah formed a stubborn partnership, frustrating the English bowlers for nearly two hours.
The tension was palpable as the final session began, with Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj trying to inch closer to the target. However, Shoaib Bashir, who had been off the field for much of the day with a finger injury, delivered the final blow, dismissing Siraj and sealing the win for England. Bashir's decisive wicket came in the 75th over when the ball deflected off Siraj's bat and onto the stumps.
England's victory was particularly sweet as it occurred on the sixth anniversary of their 2019 World Cup win at the same venue. Ben Stokes noted the special feeling, saying he had a gut feeling Archer would do something special.
India's captain, Shubman Gill, acknowledged that England outplayed them, particularly in the batting department. He highlighted the importance of partnerships and felt that the team fell short in that aspect.
Several factors contributed to India's defeat. The 63 extras conceded proved costly in such a low-scoring contest. Zak Crawley's time-wasting tactics also seemed to frustrate the Indian team. Rishabh Pant's dismissal was a turning point, and KL Rahul's review being overturned also was a key moment.
With this win, England now leads the five-match series 2-1. However, they will have to face the rest of the series without Shoaib Bashir, who has been ruled out due to a finger fracture sustained during the Lord's Test. The fourth Test will be held at Emirates Old Trafford starting on July 23.
