IND Vs ENG, 3rd Test: Ben Stokes' Bullet Throw Sends Rishabh Pant Packing On Stroke Of Lunch At Lord’s; Video

At Lunch on Day 3, the match is finely poised. India are 248/4, still trailing England’s first innings total by 139 runs. With Pant gone, the pressure now falls on the remaining Indian batters to fight back against a fired-up England side.

Amertha Rangankar Updated: Saturday, July 12, 2025, 07:28 PM IST
Image: JioHotstar/X

Image: JioHotstar/X

Just when India seemed to be settling in nicely, Ben Stokes produced a moment of sheer brilliance to jolt the visitors with a sensational direct hit that sent Rishabh Pant back to the pavilion at a crucial time, right on the stroke of Lunch.

The incident occurred in the final over of the session. India, trailing by 139 runs, were building a strong platform at 248/3, with Pant looking in command on 74 off 112 balls. But in a moment that changed the mood at Lord’s, Pant tapped a tossed-up delivery gently towards cover, and hesitated momentarily before setting off for a single.

Ben Stokes, ever alert and agile, sprinted in from cover, picked up the ball cleanly and, in a single motion, turned and fired in a stunning direct hit at the non-striker’s end. The third umpire was brought into play, but replays clearly showed Pant was short of his ground.

Stokes let out a roar, fully charged with adrenaline, as England celebrated the breakthrough. The dismissal was not just a fielding masterclass, but a psychological blow to India, losing one of their most dangerous middle-order batters just before the break.

At Lunch on Day 3, the match is finely poised. India are 248/4, still trailing England’s first innings total by 139 runs. With Pant gone, the pressure now falls on the remaining Indian batters to fight back against a fired-up England side.

IND Vs ENG, 3rd Test: Joe Root Sets New Test Record For Most Catches By A Fielder, Surpasses Rahul Dravid’s Tally

Joe Root delivered a moment of brilliance on Day 2 of the third Test between England and India at Lord’s, pulling off a breathtaking one-handed catch in the slips to dismiss Karun Nair and etch his name in Test cricket history. With the grab, Root registered his 211th catch in the format, overtaking Rahul Dravid as the non-wicketkeeper with the most catches in Test history.

The milestone moment came at a crucial time in the match. India’s KL Rahul and Karun Nair were stitching together a steady partnership, looking well set after putting on 61 runs. Jofra Archer had earlier provided an early breakthrough on his return to Test cricket, but England were struggling to find a second wicket until Ben Stokes drew an edge from Nair.

At 34, Root has long been one of England’s most dependable fielders, and this latest catch only solidifies his reputation. He had previously shared the record with Dravid, who took 210 catches in 164 Tests. Root surpassed the Indian legend in his 156th match.

With bat and in the field, Joe Root continues to shine as one of England’s all-time greats, and his record-breaking effort at Lord’s will be remembered as a classic moment in the storied rivalry between England and India.

Published on: Saturday, July 12, 2025, 06:06 PM IST

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