Jadeja Keeps India’s Hopes Alive in Nerve-Wracking Lord’s Test vs England
LONDON — Ravindra Jadeja’s gritty unbeaten half-century kept India’s hopes alive in a dramatic final-day showdown at Lord’s, as the third Test between India and England moved toward a thrilling conclusion on Monday.
India reached 163-9 at tea, still 30 runs shy of a 193-run target, with just one wicket in hand. Jadeja stood firm on 56 not out, while Mohammed Siraj was unbeaten on 2.
India seemed headed for defeat at 112-8 shortly after lunch, but a defiant 35-run stand between Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah delayed England’s celebrations. Bumrah, despite his recent run of four consecutive ducks, held out for 54 balls, scoring five gritty runs before falling to Ben Stokes, who ended the partnership with a short ball skied to substitute Sam Cook.
Jadeja, whose form has been a bright spot in the series, notched his fourth consecutive fifty, showcasing resilience and class under pressure. He reached the milestone with a boundary off Stokes, one of his four fours in a 150-ball vigil.
Stokes, battling a chronic knee issue, delivered two long spells, finishing with 3-48 in 24 overs, while Jofra Archer, making a triumphant return to Test cricket after over four years, took 3-52 in 14 overs.
Both teams had scored 387 runs in their first innings, setting up a low-scoring second-innings battle.
India crumbled early on day five, losing three wickets for 11 runs to slump from 71-4 to 82-7. Chris Woakes (2-36) and Archer made key breakthroughs, including the crucial wicket of Rishabh Pant, bowled for 9.
Earlier, KL Rahul, India’s centurion from the first innings, fell lbw to Stokes for 39 after resuming on 33 overnight.
Jadeja survived a close lbw appeal off Woakes on 26, successfully reviewing the decision. He responded emphatically with a towering six over midwicket next ball, signaling India’s unwillingness to give in.
With Siraj now holding fort, all eyes are on whether India can pull off a historic win or if England will seal the match and level the series.
