India opener KL Rahul expressed heartfelt emotions following India’s agonising 22-run defeat to England in the third Test at Lord’s, calling the match `more than wins or losses`. Despite India holding the upper hand for significant stretches of the game, a twist of fate and a resilient English lower order handed the hosts a narrow win, leaving India trailing 1-2 in the five-match series.
The match ended in dramatic fashion when Mohammed Siraj, while attempting to protect Ravindra Jadeja at the other end, was dismissed in a cruel manner. Shoaib Bashir’s delivery bounced, spun back after hitting the pitch, and trickled onto the stumps, ending India’s valiant fightback with Jadeja stranded unbeaten.
Rahul, one of India’s standout performers in the match and the series, took to Instagram to reflect on the loss, writing, “Some games are more than wins or losses. They test your spirit, your character. And the learnings make you stronger.”
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Rahul’s form has been instrumental for India in the ongoing series. With 375 runs in three Tests at an average of 62.50, including two centuries and a half-century, he currently stands as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the series. His recent performances have significantly lifted his average in England, which now stands at 41.20 from 12 Tests, including four centuries and two fifties. At Lord’s, Rahul further etched his name in history by becoming only the second Indian to appear on the Honours Board twice.
England, opting to bat first after winning the toss, were rocked early at 44/2, but recovered through a 109-run partnership between Ollie Pope and Joe Root. Root’s fluent 104 and lower-order heroics from Brydon Carse (56) and Jamie Smith (51) powered England to a total of 387. Jasprit Bumrah starred with the ball, claiming 5 for 74.
India responded in kind, with Rahul’s century and crucial stands with Karun Nair (26) and Rishabh Pant (74) laying the foundation. Jadeja’s composed 72, supported by valuable contributions from the tail, helped India match England’s total, scoring 387 all out.
In England’s second innings, Washington Sundar turned the game on its head with a spell of 4 for 22. England folded for 192, setting India a target of 193. However, India collapsed to 82/7. Jadeja, unbeaten on 61, fought heroically with the lower order, but Siraj’s freak dismissal sealed the outcome.
Ben Stokes, with scores of 44 and 33 and five wickets in the match, was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his all-round display.
