Lord’s, London:
India’s hopes of pulling off a historic win at Lord’s were dashed on Day 5 of the third Test, as England completed a thrilling victory despite a gritty lone-hand effort from Ravindra Jadeja. Chasing 257 for a famous win, India were bowled out for 170 in 74.5 overs, falling short by 86 runs in what turned out to be a dramatic final day at the Home of Cricket.
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar was critical of India’s inability to form a meaningful partnership, especially after losing four key wickets in the first session. Speaking to Sony Sports, he said, “A partnership of 60-70 would have made a difference. India never got that. You could say that Jadeja could have taken the odd chance and not necessarily the aerial route when Joe Root and Shoaib Bashir were bowling. But full marks to him (Jadeja).”
Sunil Gavaskar slams Team India after Lord’s defeat: “Ravindra Jadeja could have shown more responsibility with the bat. You don’t win Tests in England playing reckless cricket.” 💥 #INDvsENG #Gavaskar #Jadeja pic.twitter.com/1qw8eDWxkN
— Tech Sudama🇮🇳 (@SudamaSb) July 15, 2025
Morning Collapse Sets the Tone:
India began Day 5 needing just 135 runs with six wickets in hand, a task that seemed achievable given the conditions. However, what followed was a nightmare session for the visitors.
In a fiery spell, Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer picked up three wickets each, ripping through India’s middle and lower order. Archer set the tone by rattling Rishabh Pant’s off-stump with a 140+ kmph delivery after the left-hander had struck a few aggressive shots despite visible discomfort with his injured hand. Pant managed just 9.
Stokes, as ever, rose to the occasion. He trapped KL Rahul with a sharp in-swinger that was initially ruled not out but overturned on DRS, showing the ball clipping the top of off stump. The decision left India reeling and England roaring.
Archer wasn’t done yet. He pulled off a brilliant one-handed return catch to dismiss Washington Sundar for a four-ball duck, reducing India to 82/7 in just the 25th over.
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Jadeja’s Resistance in Vain:
Amid the chaos, Ravindra Jadeja stood tall. With calm and composure, he stitched together a resistance with Nitish Kumar Reddy. The duo ensured India crossed the 100-run mark by cautiously rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries.
The softening ball offered some relief, and Reddy broke the boundary drought after 80 balls with an uppish drive through cover. But just when it seemed like the tide could turn, Reddy edged a short ball from Chris Woakes just before lunch, leaving India eight down.
That breakthrough ended a dogged partnership and left England needing only two wickets after lunch.
England’s Bowlers Seal the Deal:
The final blows came quickly. England’s bowlers maintained discipline, and the lower order couldn’t withstand the relentless pressure. Archer, Stokes, and Brydon Carse who took two wickets shared the spoils as India fell short despite a valiant effort.
Jadeja remained India’s top scorer in the second innings, but his effort couldn’t mask the top-order’s collapse or the team’s failure to build substantial partnerships.
With this win, England leads the five-match Test series 2-1, swinging momentum back in their favour. The focus now shifts to the fourth Test as India regroup and reflect on what could have been a famous win.
