In a thrilling match, India lost by 22 runs at Lord’s in the third Test against England, coming up painfully short. India exhibited tenacity in chasing 193 for victory, particularly via Ravindra Jadeja and the tail-enders, but ultimately gave way under duress. India had bowled brilliantly earlier to keep the match going, but they missed crucial opportunities.
The Shubman Gill-led Indian team failed to convert their chances in both innings, despite moments of brilliant play. Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer, two of England’s best bowlers, took advantage of critical mistakes. Ultimately, the Test match was characterized by the visitors’ lost chances.
Here are top 3 moments where India lost 3rd Test vs England
1. Failing to take lead in the first innings
India had the perfect foundation to pile up a huge score after bowling out England for 387, but some poor batting meant that they only managed to score 387 themselves, squandering the opportunity to take the lead. Even a narrow lead of 70–100 runs would have given the tourists a clear control and forced England to play catch-up.
Rather, the Ben Stokes-led side was able to establish terms and change their approach, knowing well that India would be batting on the final two days of the game. India not being able to take the lead proved to be the game-changing moment in this thriller contest. These extra 70–100 runs would’ve given India a huge chance, completely changing the equation in the fourth innings.
2. India’s top order fails in the second innings
Chasing 193 in the second innings on late Day 4 and then on the final day at the uneven Lord’s pitch was never going to be easy. But the talented Indian batting line-up had everything in it to reach there. However, poor choice of shots from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Karun Nair and some brilliant bowling by Brydon Carse and Ben Stokes ensured India lost their top order for just 58 runs.
On day five, things got worse as KL Rahul was dismissed for 39 and in-form Rishabh Pant fell cheaply as well. If it were not for Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten 61 and some brilliant resistance from Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, India could have lost by a bigger margin than 22 runs. The chase might have been possible with a steady start from top order, but lack of partnerships proved to be India’s undoing.
3. Rishabh Pant’s run-out in the first innings
Pant and Rahul had added 141 runs after India lost three wickets rather early. It looked like the duo would go to Lunch on the third day of the match unbeaten, but a slight error in judgment from Pant and eagerness to get to his hundred from Rahul hurt India badly. The southpaw was caught short of the crease by Ben Stokes’ direct hit while taking a quick single.
This meant the momentum India built thanks to Pant (74) and Rahul (100) was lost. This had a cascading effect, as Rahul got out soon after reaching his hundred. India could have fallen short of England’s 387 if not for 72 by Ravindra Jadeja and the help from Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar.
