London, July 14 – The final day of the 3rd Test between India and England at Lord’s has delivered high drama, with England on the verge of victory and India battling hard through lower-order resistance.
Chasing a target of 193, India found themselves in deep trouble at 112/8 by lunch, still 81 runs short of what would be a miracle win.
🔥 Archer, Stokes Lead England’s Charge
Resuming the day at 58/4, India faced immediate pressure. Making a sensational comeback to Test cricket after a four-year injury layoff, Jofra Archer struck early:
- Rishabh Pant was bowled by a brilliant full delivery that clipped off stump just after hitting a boundary.
- Washington Sundar followed soon after, caught and bowled by Archer.
- Archer had already dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal late on Day 4, finishing with 3/41 from 10 overs.
Ben Stokes, despite struggling with a persistent knee injury, bowled a relentless 15.2-over spell, dismissing the well-set KL Rahul (39) with a ball that jagged in off the seam. Rahul’s dismissal, confirmed via DRS, marked a crucial turning point.
🏏 Jadeja and Bumrah Hold the Fort
India’s hopes now rest on Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah, who have shown resilience under immense pressure. Earlier, Nitish Kumar Reddy added brief stability with Jadeja, hitting a crisp four off Stokes before falling to Chris Woakes, caught behind just before lunch.
With England needing just two wickets and India requiring 81 more runs, the match remains delicately poised — a potential classic in the making at the Home of Cricket.