Ben Stokes Scripts Another Lord’s Classic on World Cup Anniversary; Brave Jadeja’s Valiant Fight In Vain
London, July 14: In a dramatic finish befitting the iconic venue, England defeated India by 22 runs on the final day of the third Test at Lord’s, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Despite a heroic unbeaten 61* from Ravindra Jadeja, India were bowled out for 170 while chasing a modest target of 193, falling heartbreakingly short.
Fittingly, the match concluded on July 14—the same date as England’s unforgettable 2019 World Cup triumph (after unprecedented double tie) under Ben Stokes. Then a hero, now captain, Stokes once again proved decisive with a match-winning all-round performance: scoring 44 runs, taking three wickets (including the crucial dismissal of KL Rahul), and effecting a run-out. His all-around brilliance earned him the Player of the Match award.
Jadeja: Lone Warrior Amid Collapse
India’s chase began nervously and only worsened as they slipped to 78/5. Jadeja waged a lone battle, putting together crucial stands with the lower order:
30-run partnership (91 balls) with debutant Nitish Reddy (13)
35-run stand (132 balls) with Jasprit Bumrah (5)
23-run stand (80 balls) with Mohammed Siraj (4)
Jadeja battled for 266 minutes and 181 balls, striking four boundaries and one six. Despite running out of partners, he remained not out and left the field as a moral victor.
Pant’s Injury and England’s Pressure Game
Rishabh Pant (9) tried to play through visible discomfort due to a painful finger injury, even managing to hit a one-handed four. But he was bowled by Jofra Archer, who marked his return to Test cricket with three wickets across both innings, including Pant and Siraj.
KL Rahul (39) looked solid before being trapped LBW by a sharp inswinger from Stokes. Washington Sundar (0) and others fell cheaply in a collapse induced by sustained pressure.
England’s bowling was clinical:
Stokes – 3 wickets
Archer – 3 wickets
Brydon Carse – 2 wickets
Chris Woakes & Shoaib Bashir – 1 each
Siraj was the final wicket to fall, bowled by Bashir. Moments earlier, he was struck on the shoulder by an Archer bouncer—an incident that seemed to break his concentration.
ALSO READ : England’s Bashir, Who Bowled Siraj to Break a Billion Hearts, Ruled Out of India Series
India Miss Historic Opportunity at Lord’s
India’s first Test match in 1932 was played at Lord’s, and the team had a golden chance to secure just their fourth ever win at this venue. However, the opportunity slipped despite a valiant lower-order resistance.
With Pant doubtful for the next Test due to injury, India faces selection and recovery challenges heading into the fourth Test.
Match Summary:
England: 1st Innings – 293 | 2nd Innings – 199
India: 1st Innings – 300 | 2nd Innings – 170 (Jadeja 61*, Rahul 39)
England won by 22 runs
While Ben Stokes claimed the official honors, Ravindra Jadeja emerged as the emotional hero, earning the admiration of millions for his undying spirit and exceptional fightback.