Day three of the Test match at Lord`s concluded with the scoreline reflecting the tension that permeated the day`s play. India successfully navigated large periods to reach parity with England`s first innings total of 387, primarily propelled by significant contributions from KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja. However, a late surge from the English pace attack ensured India did not gain the crucial first-innings lead, leaving the match delicately poised.
Morning Resilience and Acceleration
Resuming their innings, India`s overnight batsmen displayed commendable discipline early on, negating the threat posed by England`s quicks, notably Jofra Archer, who consistently operated at high speeds. Runs were initially hard to come by, with a notable period of 31 deliveries yielding no score, highlighting the bowlers` accuracy.
The deadlock was eventually broken, primarily by KL Rahul. Finding his rhythm, Rahul accelerated effectively, particularly targeting first-change bowler Brydon Carse, with a rapid sequence of boundaries pushing him quickly into the 70s and setting the stage for his eventual milestone. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant, known for his aggressive style, played a more measured innings but punctuated it with signature attacking shots. His half-century arrived characteristically, featuring a powerful hook shot for six, a stroke that saw him surpass Viv Richards` record for the most sixes against England in Tests. Pant`s knock also saw him equal MS Dhoni`s record for the most half-centuries by a visiting wicketkeeper in England.
Drama and Wicket Swings Around Lunch
The partnership between Rahul and Pant flourished, extending to 141 runs. However, just before the lunch interval, a moment of miscommunication and sharp fielding broke the stand. Attempting a quick single with Rahul on 98, Rishabh Pant was caught short by a direct hit from Ben Stokes. It was an unfortunate end to a valuable innings of 74 runs, highlighting the fine margins at this level of cricket.
The post-lunch session delivered another significant blow to India. Having reached a well-deserved century, his second at Lord`s, KL Rahul`s concentration wavered. A flighted delivery from Shoaib Bashir induced an edge, sharply taken at first slip, ending Rahul`s anchoring innings and providing England with renewed hope.
Mid-Order Fight and Lucky Escapes
Following the loss of set batsmen, Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Reddy embarked on a crucial partnership. This period was marked by a series of nervy moments, particularly for Reddy, who survived no fewer than three potential run-outs due to a combination of mix-ups and fielding errors from England. These instances provided a touch of unintended comedy to the otherwise tense proceedings, showcasing a resilience that was perhaps more fortunate than deliberate.
Despite the scares, the pair added 72 runs, steadily chipping away at England`s lead. Archer continued to test the batsmen with pace, and the spinners were brought into the attack, but Jadeja and Reddy weathered the storm, guiding India past the 300-run mark before the tea break.
England`s Late Burst Levels the Scores
Nitish Reddy`s luck finally ran out early in the final session, falling for 30 to a short delivery from Stokes. However, Ravindra Jadeja continued his solid form, registering his third consecutive half-century of the series. He found support from Washington Sundar, and the duo aimed to push India into a lead.
The crucial breakthrough came when Chris Woakes accounted for Jadeja, caught down the leg side for a valuable 72. This wicket triggered a rapid decline in India`s lower order. The tail offered little resistance against a re-invigorated English attack. Woakes picked up two more wickets, and Archer claimed one, including the final dismissal that drew India level with England`s total. The swift collapse ensured England prevented conceding a first-innings advantage.
A brief, somewhat contentious, period of play at the end of the day saw England`s openers face just one over amidst allegations of time-wasting before stumps were drawn. This left England with a nominal lead, highlighting just how evenly matched the two sides remain after three compelling days.
Brief Score Summary:
England 387 and 2/0 (Zak Crawley 2*) lead India 387 (KL Rahul 100, Rishabh Pant 74, Ravindra Jadeja 72; Chris Woakes 3-84, Jofra Archer 2-52, Ben Stokes 2-63) by 2 runs.
Dominic Ashworth