In a gripping finale at Lord’s, Ben Stokes once again led England to a narrow 22-run victory against a resilient Indian side in the third Test.
The captain showcased his exceptional bowling skills, taking three vital wickets as India was dismissed for 170 runs.
The match reached a thrilling climax as the hosts found themselves on the edge, with Ravindra Jadeja exhibiting remarkable resistance.
Chasing a target of 193, India staggered to 112-8 when Jadeja partnered with Jasprit Bumrah at number 10. The duo fought valiantly for nearly 22 overs until Stokes, persistently bowling from the Nursery End, tempted Bumrah into a pull shot that was caught at mid-on. Bumrah’s contribution to the partnership was limited to five runs off 54 deliveries.
Jadeja continued to hold firm, this time alongside last man Mohammed Siraj. Stokes, undeterred, kept bowling, even as tea was delayed with India requiring 30 runs.
Post-tea, the injured Shoaib Bashir entered the fray and achieved a fantastic dismissal, with Siraj inadvertently defending a ball onto his stumps. Bashir celebrated jubilantly, likely marking his final appearance in the series due to injury, while Jadeja remained unbeaten on 61 from 181 balls.
The drawn-out finish starkly contrasted with the electrifying morning session, where Stokes and Jofra Archer unleashed an onslaught of pace bowling that dismantled India’s batting lineup.
Archer notably bowled Rishabh Pant out, and Stokes successfully reviewed an lbw decision to dismiss KL Rahul for 39. Washington Sundar, who confidently proclaimed India’s victory the night before, was caught brilliantly by Archer during his follow-through.
As Jadeja commenced his heroic stand, first with Nitish Kumar Reddy for 15 overs, then with Bumrah, an accidental collision with Brydon Carse momentarily interrupted play.
England employed every tactic at their disposal and appeared to have Jadeja dismissed until he overturned an lbw decision against Chris Woakes at 26. Once again, Stokes stepped up to shoulder the burden.
Following a morning spell of 9.2 overs, the influential captain launched into another 10-over stint leading up to tea. While Bashir had his moment of triumph, it was ultimately Stokes who carried England toward victory.
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