England clinched a dramatic 22-run victory against India in the third Test at Lord's on Monday, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. India, chasing 193, were bowled out for 170 after tea on the final day. Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, who had been sidelined with a finger injury for most of the day, delivered the final blow by dismissing Mohammed Siraj.
Ravindra Jadeja's valiant, unbeaten 61 off 181 deliveries went in vain as India fell agonisingly short of the 193-run target in the final session. Jadeja stood firm, shepherding the lower order and dragging India within touching distance of a famous win. Despite his efforts, wickets fell at the other end, leaving India with a heartbreaking defeat.
The final day began with India needing 135 runs to win, but England fought back, removing the top order within the first hour of play on Day 4. The pitch offered variable bounce and seam movement, making it difficult for the Indian batters. Chris Woakes dismissed Nitish Kumar Reddy for 13, breaking a vital stand and leaving England two wickets away from victory. Woakes angled the ball in, getting it to straighten just enough off a short length, inducing a faint edge off Reddy's bat. Jamie Smith completed the catch behind the stumps.
India's hopes dwindled as they slumped to 112/8 after the first session. However, Jadeja, along with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, displayed remarkable resilience. Their resistance took the game into the third session, defying expectations.
At tea, India were 163/9, needing 30 more runs to win. Jadeja had reached a heroic fifty, receiving valuable support from Bumrah and Siraj. However, after tea, Bashir dismissed Siraj, who had put up a valiant fight, hitting the leg stump and triggering celebrations among the England players.
England's Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer picked up three wickets each in the second innings. England moved up to second place in the World Test Championship standings for the 2025-27 cycle with the win. Despite the defeat, India's lower order, often criticized, fought hard and did their country proud.
