London, Jul 14 (PTI) On a challenging day five pitch at Lord’s, Indian batters crumbled against the fiery pace attack led by Jofra Archer, teetering on the edge of defeat in the third Test against England. Chris Woakes dealt a crucial blow to India right before lunch by having Nitish Reddy caught behind, leaving India precariously placed at 112 for eight, chasing a target of 193.
Starting the day at 58 for four, India needed another 135 runs on a tricky surface with inconsistent bounce. Their seasoned batters failed to deliver, hampering India's aim for a fourth win at this historic venue since 1932. The dismissals of Rishabh Pant (9 off 12 balls), K L Rahul (39 off 58), and Washington Sundar (0 off 4) within the first hour dashed India's hopes of a successful chase.
Rahul and Pant's presence was crucial for India, but their departures in the space of just 18 balls weakened the team significantly. Pant’s task was to survive Archer's challenging spell, but the resurgent pacer, returning to Test cricket after over four years, struck decisively.
Pant, nursing an injury to his left index finger incurred on the first day, was evidently uncomfortable as he faced Archer's blistering pace, his discomfort showing as the ball consistently surprised him. Despite his efforts, including a couple of boundary shots—a flick and a one-handed drive off Archer—Pant was sent back by a superb delivery that uprooted his off-stump, illustrating Archer’s formidable X-factor.
Amid such fierce competition, Archer engaged in brief verbal exchanges with Pant as the wicketkeeper made his arduous way back through the iconic Long Room. Rahul, meanwhile, held the key to stabilizing the innings but fell just three overs after Pant, setting India on a seemingly inevitable path to defeat.
England’s captain, Ben Stokes, exerted immense pressure from the Nursery End, eventually clinching the pivotal wicket of the in-form Rahul with a delivery that sharply seamed back, resulting in an lbw. The initial not out decision by the on-field umpire was overturned after successful DRS consultation by England, stirring a resounding cheer from the stands.
Lord’s has seen enthusiastic spectators for all days of the three Tests, and Monday was no exception, with both English and Indian fans flocking to witness the spectacle. With India struggling at 95 for seven and needing another 98 runs, the final batting pair, Ravindra Jadeja and Reddy, adopted a defensive strategy on the treacherous pitch. Stokes delivered a tireless nine-over spell, epitomizing his combative spirit.
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