Ravindra Jadeja standing to the last wicket
London, July 14, 2025 – The third Test between India and England at Lord’s ended in unforgettable fashion as India fought valiantly Ravindra Jadeja remain not-out untill the end.. Chasing a modest yet tricky target of 193, the visitors came agonizingly close, losing by just 22 runs in a match that will be remembered for its grit, drama, and heart.
A Testing Target on a Tough Pitch
England posted 387 in their first innings and added 192 in the second, setting India a target of 193 to win on a worn-out Lord’s pitch. Despite the low target, uneven bounce and swing made the chase anything but easy.
Top Order Crumbles Under Pressure
By the end of Day 4, India had slumped to 58 for 4. The early dismissals of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and nightwatchman Mukesh Kumar gave England early momentum and made India’s task extremely difficult heading into Day 5.
Jadeja’s Masterclass in Patience and Control
The highlight of India’s chase was undoubtedly Ravindra Jadeja. Walking in under pressure, he played one of the most composed innings of his career. His unbeaten 61 from 181 balls showcased immense patience, technique, and mental strength.
While wickets fell around him, Ravindra Jadeja stood firm. His footwork against spinners and his ability to rotate the strike with tailenders showed his maturity and game awareness.
Crucial Lower-Order Partnerships
- With Jasprit Bumrah,Ravindra Jadeja built a dogged partnership that added precious runs and time. Bumrah faced 54 balls for just 5 runs, frustrating the English bowlers.
- After Bumrah’s dismissal,Ravindra Jadeja managed to add more runs with Mohammed Siraj, who survived 30 balls in a tense final-wicket stand.
India were just 22 runs short of the target when Siraj was finally bowled, bringing England relief after a nerve-wracking final session.
Shoaib Bashir Delivers the Knockout Punch
England’s young spinner Shoaib Bashir, despite a fractured finger, was the one who delivered the final blow. He bowled a delivery that took a faint inside edge off Siraj’s bat before clipping the stumps.
The Lord’s crowd erupted, but it was a bittersweet moment. England had won the match, but the resilience shown by India, especially Ravindra Jadeja and the tail, earned widespread respect.
England’s Bowlers Hold Their Nerve
Ben Stokes led the attack with heart and precision. He bowled 24 overs and picked up key wickets in the second innings. Jofra Archer and Chris Woakes backed him up with pace and control. But it was Bashir, overcoming injury, who emerged as the hero.
The English fielders maintained pressure throughout, with tight lines and aggressive fields. Their discipline in the final hour proved decisive.
Missed Opportunities Cost India
Former players and analysts pointed out that India’s loss wasn’t solely due to the final-wicket fall.
- A crucial run-out of Rishabh Pant in the first innings, when he looked set, proved costly.
- India conceded 63 extras in the match, including 32 in England’s second innings—an avoidable leak that widened the margin.
- A dropped catch by KL Rahul early in England’s first innings allowed Jamie Smith to go on and add over 100 valuable runs.
These moments, combined with a top-order collapse, made India’s task harder than it should have been.
Sportsmanship and Spirit at Its Best
After the final wicket, England’s players were seen consoling Siraj and applauding Jadeja’s heroic effort. The scenes at Lord’s were a tribute to the enduring spirit of Test cricket, where battles go beyond numbers and victory can lie in character.
Ben Stokes, in the post-match interview, praised India’s fight and Jadeja’s skill, calling the match “one of the toughest wins of my captaincy.”
Series Situation and What’s Next
With this win, England take a 2–1 lead in the five-match series. The fourth Test begins on July 23 in Manchester, and India will now have to regroup quickly to level the series.
Despite the loss, India will take heart from the courage shown by their lower order. Their fight, especially Jadeja’s knock, has shifted the momentum and sent a message to England that they won’t go down without a fight.
Final Word
India’s defeat at Lord’s was a classic example of how Test cricket is a game of moments, resilience, and belief. While England secured the win on the scorecard, it was India’s character—especially the fight until the final ball—that captured the imagination of fans around the world.
In an era of fast formats and instant results, the third Test at Lord’s reminded everyone why Test cricket is still the ultimate test.
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