India Equal England’s Score In Lord’s Test Thriller Showdown

India matched England’s first-innings score of 387 runs on day three of the third Test at Lord’s, setting the stage for an electrifying finale as the five-match series continues in a neck-and-neck battle. A crucial century from KL Rahul and half-centuries from Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant were central to India’s gritty comeback after early setbacks. England’s Shoaib Bashir’s injury added drama to an already tense encounter, blunting England’s spin attack just when India looked vulnerable.

This article dives deep into the third Test action between India and England, highlighting pivotal moments, key player contributions, and the strategic shifts that defined this gripping day of cricket.

Rahul Leads the Revival After Early Wickets Fall

India began the day at 145-3, trailing England’s total and under pressure to mount a serious response. KL Rahul, already looking settled from the overnight play, picked up where he left off. Batting alongside Rishabh Pant, the duo looked confident despite England’s relentless bowling and field pressure.

Pant, known for his aggressive flair, was battling not only England’s pacers but also a painful injury to his left hand. Despite the discomfort, he launched an emphatic six off Ben Stokes to mark his half-century a shot that lit up Lord’s and bolstered India’s hopes.

Together, Rahul and Pant added a vital 141-run partnership for the fourth wicket. It was a blend of careful shot selection, excellent running between the wickets, and the occasional boundary that kept India’s scoreboard ticking. But disaster struck on the last ball before lunch: Pant, attempting a risky single off Shoaib Bashir’s delivery, was run out for 74. Stokes’ direct hit from cover sent the crowd into a frenzy and brought England back into the game.

Rahul reached his century shortly after, a moment of calm triumph under pressure. Yet, in an unfortunate twist, he fell immediately after edging Bashir’s floated delivery to the slips, where Harry Brook made no mistake. With India at 254-5, the game teetered once again.

Bashir’s Injury Shifts Momentum as Jadeja Stands Tall

As England sensed blood, Shoaib Bashir found rhythm and posed a threat with his spin. But in a moment that changed the tide, he injured a finger on his non-bowling hand while attempting a return catch from Jadeja. His exit from the field diluted England’s attack, forcing them to rotate between pacers on a pitch offering little help.

This shift in momentum gave Jadeja and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy a chance to rebuild. Their partnership, albeit shaky early on, proved invaluable. Reddy survived two close run-out attempts thanks to poor throws by Ollie Pope moments that could have tipped the balance again.

The pair went on to stitch a 72-run stand before Ben Stokes returned to trap Reddy for 30, caught behind off an outside edge. But Jadeja remained rock solid, notching his third consecutive fifty-plus score and ensuring India remained in the hunt.

Lower Order Resists as Sundar and Jadeja Drag India to 387

With Jadeja guiding from one end, Washington Sundar played the perfect supporting role. Their 50-run stand for the eighth wicket brought India agonizingly close to England’s total.

Jadeja, attempting to ramp up the scoring, edged a fine leg glance to keeper Jamie Smith, departing for a well-crafted 72. Chris Woakes’ breakthrough ended his knock but not India’s resistance.

Akash Deep’s brief cameo involved drama: two LBW decisions overturned on review, both shown by Hawk-Eye to be missing the stumps. However, he eventually fell for 7 to Brydon Carse, caught at third slip.

Sundar calmly brought the scores level before falling to Jofra Archer for 23, ending India’s innings at 387  the exact total England had posted. It was a psychological and strategic win for India, especially given the earlier precarious position they were in.

England Openers Face Heated End to Day Three

England’s second innings began with just one over left before stumps. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett opened the innings under fading light and immense pressure. The short phase, though limited in overs, was packed with tension.

Crawley took a blow to the glove, prompting him to call for the physio. Indian skipper Shubman Gill sarcastically applauded the delay, clearly agitated. Heated exchanges followed, especially between Duckett and Gill, hinting at the emotional stakes in this tightly contested match.

Crawley and Duckett remained unbeaten on 2-0 as play ended, leaving the match delicately poised and fans eagerly awaiting the final two days.

England’s Bowling Depth Tested Amid Injury Crisis

Shoaib Bashir’s injury came at the worst possible time for England. His earlier success in dismissing Rahul and applying pressure to India’s middle order was halted abruptly. England’s dependence on spin, especially on a flat pitch, meant they had to revert to pace  a decision that lacked the same impact.

Ben Stokes and Woakes bowled tirelessly, but India’s lower order showed determination and patience. Jadeja, in particular, exploited the gaps left by the absence of a dedicated spinner, expertly working the ball into unguarded zones.

Tim Southee, England’s bowling coach, acknowledged the effort: “You toil away for three days and end up level. The next two days are going to be an intense shoot-out.”

Jadeja’s Consistency Becomes India’s Backbone

Jadeja’s role across the past few matches cannot be overstated. His ability to stabilize innings under pressure, especially after collapses or crucial dismissals, is proving critical. With three successive 50+ scores, he has silently transitioned from a bowling all-rounder to a batting anchor when needed.

His calm under pressure and ability to guide newcomers like Reddy or Sundar adds immense value. While the limelight often goes to century-makers or pacers, Jadeja’s grit and maturity deserve special recognition.

What Lies Ahead: A Two-Day Showdown at Lord’s

With the score level, both teams head into day four with the series tied 1-1 and everything to play for. England’s top order will need to provide a strong foundation  especially if Bashir’s injury keeps him out of action for the remainder of the match.

India, meanwhile, will look to Bumrah and Jadeja for early breakthroughs. The fielding unit must remain sharp one dropped catch or run-out miss could decide the outcome.

The pressure, the crowd at Lord’s, and the fierce competitive spirit will ensure the next two days are packed with drama, twists, and unforgettable moments.