— England defeated India by a narrow margin of 22 runs in a heart-stopping finish to the third Test at Lord’s, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. The result came after a tense fifth day where India, despite a lower-order resistance led by Ravindra Jadeja, fell just short of the target.
India began the final day at 58 for 4, needing 134 more runs for victory. However, early strikes from Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer dismantled the top and middle order, removing key batters Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Washington Sundar within the first session. By lunch, India were struggling at 112 for 8, with victory looking increasingly out of reach.
The tide briefly turned as Ravindra Jadeja stood tall amidst the wreckage, crafting a fighting half-century and forming a gritty partnership with tail-ender Jasprit Bumrah. The duo added 56 runs for the ninth wicket, reviving hopes of a miraculous win for the visitors.
With India inching towards the target, England captain Ben Stokes turned to Chris Woakes, who delivered the final blow. Woakes dismissed Bumrah with India needing just 23 more runs, sealing an unforgettable win for the home side.
“It came down to one moment at a time,” Stokes said after the match. “Credit to India for fighting till the last wicket. This was one for the history books.”
India’s defeat was also shaped by critical lapses in the field on earlier days, including KL Rahul’s dropped catch of Jamie Smith, who went on to play a crucial innings. That missed opportunity, along with a lack of partnerships at the top, proved costly.
Jadeja, who remained unbeaten on 63, received widespread praise for his composure and resilience under pressure. “We believed we could do it. Just needed one good partnership,” he said post-match.
The win puts England in the driver’s seat ahead of the fourth Test, scheduled later this month. For India, the narrow loss is a bitter pill, especially after coming so close on one of cricket’s most iconic stages.
