The third morning of the Test match at Lord`s saw India make significant strides towards England`s first-innings total, largely orchestrated by a productive fourth-wicket partnership. KL Rahul, carrying his form from the previous day, combined with Rishabh Pant for a valuable 141-run stand that brought India back into contention after a challenging start to their innings.
The pitch, offering minimal assistance to the bowlers on Day 3, allowed the Indian batsmen to settle in after an initial period of watchful defense. Rahul and Pant displayed discipline early on, respecting the good deliveries before gradually shifting gears. Rahul, in particular, accelerated into the 70s with a flurry of well-struck boundaries, putting pressure on the English attack, including first-change bowler Brydon Carse who bore the brunt of some exquisite strokeplay.
Rishabh Pant, batting despite a reported injury to his dominant hand, showcased his unique blend of caution and aggression. He achieved a notable milestone, equalling the record for the most half-centuries by a visiting wicketkeeper in England. Furthermore, in typical Pant fashion, he hooked a short delivery from Ben Stokes flat over the long-leg boundary, surpassing Viv Richards` long-standing record for the most sixes hit against England in Test cricket. Stokes` tactic of consistently employing the short ball was often met with defiance, though it perhaps highlighted the discomfort in Pant`s injured hand.
Even when facing spin, introduced late in the session with Shoaib Bashir, Pant maintained his attacking intent, welcoming the spinner with a straight six. The partnership flourished, appearing well-set to guide India safely to the lunch interval and potentially narrow the deficit significantly.
However, cricket, particularly Test cricket, often delivers twists at the most inconvenient moments. With lunch approaching and Rahul just two runs shy of a deserving century, an unnecessary piece of urgency proved costly. After Pant defended a delivery from Bashir towards the off-side, Rahul, perhaps eager to get on strike or reach his milestone before the break, called for a risky single. England captain Ben Stokes, fielding at cover, was sharp. He sensed the hesitation and indecision, charging in and executing a pinpoint direct hit at the non-striker`s end.
The throw found Rishabh Pant short of his ground. A potentially avoidable run-out brought an abrupt end to his fighting innings of 74 and, more significantly, terminated the crucial partnership just as India seemed to be in control of the session. It was a frustrating end for India, turning a highly productive morning into one concluding with the loss of a valuable wicket to an unnecessary risk.
At the stroke of lunch on Day 3, India stood at 248 for 4, still trailing England`s first-innings total of 387 by 139 runs. While substantial progress was made thanks to the efforts of Rahul (unbeaten on 98) and Pant, the manner of the dismissal served as a stark reminder of the fine margins in Test cricket and the potential cost of lapses in judgment.
Marcus Bellamy