Day three at the hallowed Lord`s ground culminated with the scorebook reflecting a perfect equilibrium, as India successfully navigated the challenges posed by the English bowling attack to draw level with the hosts` first innings total of 387. Anchored by a masterful century from KL Rahul and bolstered by dynamic contributions from Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja, India reached 387 all out in the dying moments of the day, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to this Test match.
Opening Salvo: Discipline Meets Aggression
Resuming their innings, India`s overnight pair of KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant exhibited a calculated approach. The initial passage of play saw meticulous defence, respecting the probing lines and lengths, particularly from Jofra Archer, who consistently operated at speeds exceeding 140 kmph. This period of stoicism, however, gave way to a more assertive phase. Rahul, shedding his early caution, found the boundary frequently, effectively targeting the bowling of Brydon Carse. His sequence of well-placed shots signalled India`s intent to accelerate the scoring rate.
Rishabh Pant, in characteristic fashion, brought up his half-century with a shot that defied convention – a hooked six off Ben Stokes. This audacious stroke not only highlighted his unique approach but also saw him surpass Sir Viv Richards` record for the most sixes hit against England in Test cricket by an Indian batsman. His innings was a blend of powerful hitting against spin, notably greeting Shoaib Bashir with a maximum, and innovative strokeplay against pace, even while managing discomfort from a hand injury. Pant`s partnership with Rahul was instrumental, laying a solid foundation and adding 141 runs.
A Turning Point Before Lunch
Just as India appeared to be in a commanding position, a moment of miscommunication introduced unexpected drama. With Rahul poised on 98, a push by Pant to the off-side resulted in a risky call for a single. Rahul hesitated, and England captain Ben Stokes, displaying remarkable athleticism and presence of mind, sprinted in from cover to effect a direct hit at the non-striker`s end. The unfortunate casualty was Rishabh Pant, dismissed via run-out for a well-made 74 just before the lunch interval. It was a costly wicket, ending a crucial partnership in unfortunate circumstances.
Century and Aftermath
Returning after lunch, KL Rahul calmly completed his second Test century at Lord`s, a knock built on patience and technical correctness. However, the euphoria was short-lived. Shortly after reaching the milestone, a subtle lapse in concentration proved decisive. Spinner Shoaib Bashir, operating effectively, drew Rahul forward with a flighted delivery, inducing a faint edge that was sharply taken by Harry Brook at first slip. Rahul`s excellent innings of 100 concluded, leaving India still needing significant runs to match England`s total.
Middle Order Resilience and Close Shaves
The subsequent partnership between Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Reddy became a story of resilience interspersed with moments of sheer fortune. While Jadeja provided stability and continued to chip away at the deficit, Reddy`s innings of 30 was punctuated by no fewer than three potential run-out dismissals. Each instance saw miscues between the wickets, errant throws, or fumbles from the English fielders offering Reddy a reprieve that seemed almost preordained. It was an illustration that sometimes, cricket involves as much luck as skill. Despite the chaotic nature of Reddy`s stay, the pair added a valuable 72 runs, pushing India closer to the target against a persistent English attack that included Archer hitting express pace and Carse testing both edges.
Levelling the Scores
Nitish Reddy`s luck eventually ran out early in the final session, falling to a well-directed short ball from Ben Stokes. However, Ravindra Jadeja continued his impressive form, registering his third consecutive half-century of the series. Showing composure and picking his moments, Jadeja targeted the part-time spin of Joe Root effectively, even lofting him for a six. Supported briefly by Washington Sundar, Jadeja steered India towards the target. Just as a slender lead seemed plausible, Jadeja was dismissed for 72 by Chris Woakes with a tight delivery down the leg side, sharply caught by wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.
The tailenders provided minimal resistance. Akash Deep hit a six but soon perished to a sharp catch by Brook. Jasprit Bumrah nicked off to Woakes, leaving the scores level. Washington Sundar, the final recognized batsman, was dismissed for 23 by Archer moments later, ensuring India finished precisely level with England`s first-innings total.
A Tense Conclusion
The day concluded with England`s openers facing a solitary over in the remaining minutes. This brief passage of play was marked by accusations of time-wasting tactics from the English batsmen, drawing vocal disapproval from sections of the Lord`s crowd. Despite the commotion, Zak Crawley managed to score two runs off Jasprit Bumrah, granting England a nominal 2-run lead before stumps were drawn on a compelling day of Test cricket. The scoreboard might read `all square` for the first innings, but the narrative is far from finished, promising an intriguing battle over the coming days.
Marcus Bellamy