India vs England 3rd Test match Highlights: The third Test between India and England at Lord’s was full of ups and downs, and on the fifth day, On chasing the target of 193, India fell short by a dramatic 22 runs, giving England a crucial 2-1 lead in the five-match series. For the die-hard cricket fan this wasn’t just a cricket match; it was a real experience, proof of how beautiful and unpredictable the red-ball game can be.
The weight of Expectation: India’s Morning of Misery
On the fifth day, everyone was on edge because India needed 135 runs and England needed six wickets. The goal of 193, which seemed small, looked huge on the Lord’s slope, especially since the morning weather was good for the swing and seam. I felt like the nervousness I feel when I play cricket. Would India be able to do something special or would England’s constant attack win?
The first exchanges gave a brutal answer. Jofra Archer’s dismissal of Rishabh Pant, whose aggressive nature is both his biggest strength and his biggest weakness, was an early blow to India’s hopes. It felt like a punch in the gut, the kind you know is coming but can never really get ready for. Then there was the gut-wrenching sight of KL Rahul, the overnight guard, falling to a beautiful sharp inswing delivery by Ben Stokes. Stokes, a man who lives for these moments, seemed to be in touch with the spirit of Lord’s. The wickets of Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy before lunch made things in India even worse. At 112/8, with the Lord’s crowd buzzing with English joy, it looked like it was all over. I, along with millions of Indian fans, felt a heavy sense of disappointment settling in.
The Unsung Heroics: Jadeja’s Act as a Lone Warrior
But this is Test cricket, and it often saves its most interesting stories for when things are at their worst. Just when it seemed like hope was out of reach all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja came to the fore. Jadeja started a defiant, almost unbelievable fight with the help of Jasprit Bumrah and later Mohammed Siraj. He didn’t play like a top-order batsman; he played like a man possessed like a lone warrior in a fort that was falling apart. Every single taken, every defensive prod, and every boundary eked out got louder and louder cheers from the small groups of Indian fans.
I couldn’t move because I was so focused on the TV. The human spirit of sport really shines in these times, when it looks like a game is lost. Jadeja fought off not only the English bowlers but also a lot of pressure to make a great, unbeaten 61. He carefully rotated the strike to protect the tail-enders and slowly, painfully, chipped away at the target. His partnership with Jasprit Bumrah was frustratingly brilliant; they were able to keep the scoreboard moving while also denying wickets. The energy in the ground changed in a way that could be felt. The English fans, who had been loud, became quieter, and a look of worry crossed their faces.
And The Sad Ending:
The last session was so tense that it was hard to take. Jadeja and Siraj were able to get the target close enough to reach it, even though everything was against them. Every ball seemed to last forever. Siraj, who is better known for his fast bowling, was very calm at the crease, blocking and defending with surprising strength.
Then came the moment that Indian fans will remember for a long time. Shoaib Bashir, who had hurt his finger and bowled very little, dealt the last, cruel blow. Siraj played back to a seemingly harmless toss-up delivery, but the ball, with a mind of its own, rolled back and hit the bails. It was an unlucky dismissal, a cruel twist of fate that took away victory from a brave fight. Siraj’s face showed a lot of pain, and Jadeja’s shoulders were slumped. India lost by just 22 runs.
As an expert, you could look at the tactical choices, the missed chances, the times when one person did something great, and the times when everyone failed. There will definitely be a lot of talk about the top-order collapse on Day 5, especially the dismissals of Pant and Rahul. The first innings, in which both teams scored 387 runs, showed how close this match was. Cricketers who used to play for India have said that the team’s main problem in this series is that it can’t take advantage of important moments.
But this match was more than just numbers and strategic analysis. It was also about human effort, resilience, and how unpredictable cricket can be. Ben Stokes came through for his team when they needed him most, showing what a true leader should do. In his return, Jofra Archer showed everyone how talented he is. India will remember Jadeja’s fight and Bumrah and Siraj’s defiance, even though the loss hurts.
What Next for India:
The Lord’s Test doesn’t give us many answers about India. How do they get back together after such a sad loss? Can the top order be consistent? It’s a sign of England’s Bazball style of play, their belief in attacking cricket, and their ability to win games when things get tough.
As the dust settles and the feelings start to fade, one thing is for sure: this Lord’s Test will always be remembered as a classic. It was a match that had everything: drama, tension, individual brilliance, and a real story of victory and loss. The series is now in Manchester, where England has the upper hand. However, India’s fighting spirit is on full display, so the next chapter should be just as interesting. And as a cricket lover with a personal touch, I can tell you that that’s what keeps us coming back for more.
