England took a 2–1 lead in the Test series against India after completing a 22-run victory on the final day of the third Test at Lord’s.
The result was confirmed when Shoaib Bashir bowled Mohammed Siraj for four, ending India’s second innings at 170 in pursuit of a target of 193. Siraj attempted a defensive shot, but the ball brushed his bat and rolled onto the stumps.
Ravindra Jadeja remained unbeaten on 61, guiding the lower order with a disciplined effort that nearly took India to a memorable result. He and Jasprit Bumrah added valuable runs after India were reduced to 112–8 by lunch. Their partnership frustrated England for close to two hours, with Jadeja controlling the strike and batting patiently.
Jadeja had earlier been given out lbw to Chris Woakes but successfully overturned the decision on review. He followed it up by hitting the next ball for six, but India’s chase was dealt a blow when Bumrah was caught by substitute Sam Cook off the bowling of Ben Stokes.
England had started the day strongly, taking four wickets in the morning session. Jofra Archer bowled Rishabh Pant with a delivery that beat the left-hander’s defence. Stokes then trapped KL Rahul lbw on review after an initial not out decision, while Archer dismissed Washington Sundar with a return catch. Woakes later found the edge of Nitish Kumar Reddy’s bat just before lunch.
“It dragged on a bit longer than I thought, but I’m glad to help get the win,” said Archer, who returned to Test action in this match. “We expected a result by lunch, but credit to their lower order.”
India captain Shubman Gill acknowledged the middle and lower order’s efforts. “Jadeja and the tail fought well. We just needed a couple more partnerships up top.”
Despite the tense final session, England managed to stay on top, wrapping up the match with time to spare and taking the lead ahead of the final two Tests.