Ravindra Jadeja showed nerves of steel with a gritty unbeaten 56, keeping India’s hopes alive as the visitors reached 163 for nine at tea on Day 5 of the third and final Test against England at Lord’s on Monday. With just 30 more runs needed for victory, the Test remained finely poised heading into the final session.
Jadeja stood tall amid the chaos, guiding India through a tense second session in which only one wicket fell, after a turbulent morning that heavily favoured the hosts. At the tea break, Mohammed Siraj was at the crease alongside Jadeja, unbeaten on 2, attempting to aid India’s fight to the finish.
India had resumed the day on 58 for four, still requiring 135 runs to seal the match on a deteriorating pitch offering variable bounce. However, the first session proved disastrous for the visitors, who lost four crucial wickets and slipped to 112 for eight by lunch, handing England the upper hand.
Jofra Archer, returning to Test cricket in commanding fashion, continued to make a strong impact. He dismissed Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar in quick succession. Pant, batting with a bandaged finger after an injury sustained while keeping, was cleaned up by a searing delivery that straightened just enough to clip his off-stump. Sundar fell shortly after, lured into a false shot and caught brilliantly off Archer’s own bowling.
Ben Stokes also made a significant contribution, removing the in-form KL Rahul, who had looked solid with a well-made 39. Stokes struck again late in the second session, this time breaking a stubborn resistance by dismissing Jasprit Bumrah. Chris Woakes chipped in with a crucial breakthrough too, sending back Nitish Reddy just before lunch, pushing India into deep trouble.
Despite the setbacks, Jadeja held firm. Displaying trademark composure and resilience, the all-rounder kept the scoreboard ticking while ensuring he protected the tail. His 56 not out has been instrumental in keeping India within touching distance of what would be a sensational win under pressure.
As the tension builds, England stand just one wicket away from victory, while India need 30 runs with their last pair at the crease.
Brief scores:
England: 387 & 192
India: 387 & 163/9 in 70 overs (Ravindra Jadeja 56*; KL Rahul 39; Jofra Archer 3/52, Ben Stokes 3/48)
