England Defeat India by 22 Runs in Thrilling Lord’s Test to Take 2-1 Lead in Five-Match Series

New Delhi (India) July 15: On the last day of an intense third Test at Lord's, England defeated India by 22 runs. They have gained a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. 

India collapse on final day

Both teams had an equal chance of winning at the start of Day 5. It appeared to be a simple task after India was given a 193-run target. However, with England in the match, the Indian team collapsed to 58/4 at the end of Day 4. They lost four expensive wickets in just 17.4 overs.

India resumed the game on Day 5 chasing 193. They needed 135 runs with six wickets remaining. Before lunch, England took four wickets. They dismissed Washington Sundar (0), Nitish Reddy (13) and KL Rahul (39).

Ben Stokes (3/48) and Jofra Archer (3/55) were crucial. Stokes took the wicket of Rahul. Archer dismissed Pant and Sundar.

After lunch, Jadeja battled by himself, leading India from 112/8 to 170. But he was unable to rescue the Indian team. Shoaib Bashir took the wicket of Mohammed Siraj to give England a thrilling win.

Indian captain Shubman Gill said, “Extremely proud, as close as Test cricket gets. We felt pretty confident this morning, plenty of batting left this morning. We needed a couple of partnerships in the top order, but couldn't do that, they played better than us.” 

He added, “But there was always hope. Target wasn't massive, one partnership and we would be back in the game. Jaddu very experienced, no messages, just wanted him and the tail to keep batting.”

Jadeja fights but falls short

In his already remarkable international career, Jadeja achieved a huge milestone.

The veteran scored 7000 runs for India in international cricket. In all three forms of cricket, he became just the fourth player in history to reach the double of 7000 runs and 600 wickets. The other two cricketers on this list are Shakib Al Hasan and Shaun Pollock. Jadeja is only the second Indian after Kapil Dev to accomplish this incredible achievement.

Siraj fined for send-off

India fast bowler Mohammed Siraj was fined 15% of his match fee for his send-off to Ben Duckett. The match was marked by accusations of time-wasting from both sides.

Siraj violated a part of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) code of conduct that deals with "using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an international match" by celebrating excessively near Duckett.

Aadrika Tayal