London, July 14, 2025: England clinched a thrilling 22-run victory over India in the third Test at Lord’s on Monday, defending a modest 193-run target to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
Spearheaded by a fiery Jofra Archer and a gritty all-round display from captain Ben Stokes, England bowled out India for 170 on the final day, despite a valiant half-century from Ravindra Jadeja.
India resumed their chase at 58 for 4, with hopes pinned on first-innings centurion KL Rahul and the in-form Rishabh Pant. However, their stand was short-lived as Archer struck early, clean bowling Pant for just 9 in the fourth over of the day.
Three overs later, Stokes dealt another crucial blow by trapping Rahul lbw for 39 off 58 balls, which included six boundaries. India’s slide continued as Archer removed Washington Sundar for a duck with a brilliant return catch, leaving the visitors reeling at 82 for 7.
A brief revival came in the form of a 30-run partnership between Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy, who added some resistance before the latter was dismissed for 13 just before lunch.
Jadeja, fighting a lone battle, stitched another 35 runs with tail-ender Jasprit Bumrah, who stood firm for 54 balls before falling to Stokes in the second session. The final blow came in the fifth over of the final session, when Shoaib Bashir dismissed Mohammed Siraj in bizarre fashion, sealing India’s innings at 170.
Jadeja remained unbeaten on a gutsy 61 off 181 deliveries, including four fours and a six, but ran out of partners in India’s bid to pull off a tricky chase.
For England, Archer and Stokes were the standout performers with three wickets apiece. Brydon Carse claimed two, while Chris Woakes and Bashir picked up one each.
Ben Stokes was named Player of the Match for his crucial contributions with both bat and ball, helping England secure a vital win in a tightly contested encounter.
With this victory, England now lead the series 2-1. The fourth Test is scheduled to be played at Old Trafford, Manchester, from July 23 to 27.
