India's hopes for a comfortable victory in the third Test against England at Lord's are hanging in the balance after a top-order collapse on Day 4. Set a target of 193, after the bowlers had earlier dismissed England for 192, India ended the day precariously placed at 58 for 4, requiring another 135 runs to win on the final day.
The day began with promise for India, with Washington Sundar leading the charge with the ball. His impressive spell of 4 for 22, including the vital wickets of Joe Root, Ben Stokes and Jamie Smith, helped to restrict England's second innings total. Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah also chipped in with two wickets each, complementing Sundar's efforts. England's innings saw some resistance from Joe Root (40) and Ben Stokes (33), but India managed to bowl them out for under 200.
However, India's chase got off to a disastrous start. Yashasvi Jaiswal was the first to fall, caught behind off Jofra Archer for a duck. Brydon Carse then accounted for Karun Nair and captain Shubman Gill, both trapped LBW, leaving India reeling. To make matters worse, Ben Stokes removed night-watchman Akash Deep with the final ball of the day, adding to India's woes.
KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 33 at the close of play, providing a glimmer of hope for the final day. However, with the top order gone, the pressure is now on Rahul and the remaining batsmen to see India through. The Lord's pitch is offering movement to the bowlers, and England's Brydon Carse made good use of it.
The highest target successfully chased by India in Tests in England is 173. Only three times has a team defending less than 200 runs won a Test match at Lord's in the final innings. While the target may seem modest, the early wickets have amplified the challenge for India.
Earlier in the match, both India and England scored 387 in their first innings, setting the stage for a closely contested encounter. Shubman Gill has had a good series so far, even breaking Rahul Dravid's record for most runs by an Indian in a Test series in England.
With six wickets in hand and 135 runs still needed, India faces a tense final day at Lord's. England's bowlers have shown they are capable of exploiting the conditions, and India's batsmen will need to display resilience and determination to achieve the target.