India's Narrow Defeat Against England in Thrilling Third Test at Lord's

In a gripping conclusion to the third Test at Lord's, India faced a heartbreaking defeat against England. After starting strong, the team crumbled under pressure, losing crucial wickets in a dramatic first session. Ravindra Jadeja's valiant effort provided a glimmer of hope, but ultimately, India fell short, bowled out for 170. England's bowlers, led by Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer, played pivotal roles in securing the win. Former captain Sunil Gavaskar pointed out the lack of partnerships as a key factor in the loss. This match leaves India reflecting on missed opportunities and what could have been.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 15, 2025, 10:09 IST

A Dramatic Day 5 at Lord's

India's Day 5 began with high hopes but quickly turned into a nail-biting struggle for survival as they fell short in their pursuit of a modest target of 135 runs against England in the third Test at Lord's. With six wickets in hand, victory seemed within reach, but a tumultuous first session saw the team lose four wickets, plunging them into a desperate situation.

Ravindra Jadeja emerged as a beacon of hope amidst the turmoil, showcasing a determined effort that nearly led to a remarkable win. Supported by the lower order, Jadeja's resilience gave India a fighting chance, but they ultimately succumbed, bowled out for 170 in 74.5 overs, leaving the phrase 'so close, yet so far' resonating painfully.

England's bowling attack was spearheaded by captain Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer, each claiming three wickets after bowling 24 and 16 overs respectively. Brydon Carse contributed with two crucial wickets, while Chris Woakes dismissed the determined Nitish Kumar Reddy just before lunch, tightening the noose around India's chances.

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar highlighted the absence of significant partnerships as a critical factor in the defeat. He remarked, “A partnership of 60 or 70 runs could have altered the game's outcome. India failed to achieve that,” during his analysis on Sony Sports. He acknowledged Jadeja's efforts but suggested he could have taken more calculated risks instead of lofting the ball unnecessarily against Joe Root and Shoaib Bashir.

Under overcast skies and challenging swing conditions, Rishabh Pant attempted an aggressive start, striking Archer for an early boundary. Despite battling an injury, he faced Archer's pace bravely. However, after a stunning one-handed drive, Archer got his revenge, clean bowling Pant with a lethal delivery.

Stokes soon delivered a standout moment, getting KL Rahul trapped in front with a sharply jagged delivery. Although the on-field umpire initially ruled it not out, Stokes' review confirmed the ball was on target, igniting celebrations among the England players.

Archer then showcased his athleticism with a spectacular one-handed catch to dismiss Washington Sundar for a duck, leaving India in a precarious position at 82/7.

Jadeja and Reddy then steadied the innings, rotating the strike and gradually pushing India past the 100-run mark. Reddy survived a close call with Carse and nearly chopped onto his stumps but managed to break an 80-ball boundary drought with a well-timed drive through cover.

However, just as India seemed to be recovering, Woakes struck a crucial blow just before lunch, finding Reddy's outside edge with a short ball. Jamie Smith made no mistake behind the stumps.

With only two wickets remaining after lunch, England tightened their grip and secured a hard-fought victory, leaving India to ponder what could have been.