England pulled off a thrilling 22-run victory over India on the fifth day of the third Test at Lord’s, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. In a match filled with momentum swings, it was the final hours that sealed India's fate, as the visitors fell just short in a tense run chase.
Chasing 193 for victory, India seemed to be in the game for much of the fourth innings. However, it was the final hour on Day 4 and the first hour on Day 5 that proved costly. The Indian top order, which had performed consistently in the earlier matches, failed to build any meaningful partnerships this time. Quick wickets during those two crucial phases put India on the back foot and handed England a narrow but decisive advantage.
Speaking after the match, India’s skipper Shubman Gill admitted where things went wrong. "We did not bat well in the last one hour yesterday and the first one hour today. At least one or two 50-run partnerships were required from the top order," Gill said in the post-match presentation. "Unfortunately, this was the first time our top order did not perform well," he added.
Shubman Gill speaks on Ravindra Jadeja's vital innings
Despite the loss, Gill found reasons to praise his team, particularly the resilience shown by the lower order. "I think the way Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) and our lower order batted, it is a proud moment for the team," he said, highlighting the fighting spirit India displayed till the final wicket.
India's lower order, led by Jadeja, brought the game to the brink with gritty contributions, but it was not enough in the face of England’s sharp bowling attack. Shoaib Bashir, battling a hand injury, claimed the final wicket of Mohammed Siraj with a sharply turning delivery that clipped the leg stump, sparking celebrations among the English players.
As the series moves to the fourth Test, England will carry confidence and momentum, while India will look to regroup, especially in their top-order batting approach. With two Tests remaining, the contest remains wide open and fiercely competitive.
