In a gripping Test match full of drama, resolve, and momentum shifts, England sealed a thrilling 22-run win over India at Lord’s, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. The game ended at 4:54 PM on Day 5 when Mohammed Siraj was bowled by Shoaib Bashir, heartbreakingly short of the 193-run target.
India’s fightback, led by Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten 61, almost took them to an unlikely win. From 112/8 at lunch, Jadeja, with support from Jasprit Bumrah (35-run stand) and Siraj, dragged the chase into the final session.
However, Ben Stokes, playing through pain, delivered a defining spell: 24 overs, five wickets in the match, a run-out, and unmatched leadership. Jofra Archer, on Test return after four years, bowled with fire and control, removing Rishabh Pant and taking a brilliant return catch to dismiss Washington Sundar.
The final act belonged to 21-year-old Shoaib Bashir, who bowled with a fractured finger and clinched the last wicket—Siraj—triggering emotional scenes. Joe Root consoled a gutted Siraj as players on both sides showed mutual respect after five intense days.
England’s victory was built on their pragmatic first-innings total of 387, powered by Root’s 37th Test hundred, and a collective bowling performance that overcame a slow surface and India’s stiff resistance.
Despite Bumrah’s 7 wickets in the match, India fell just short. The fifth-day morning session saw them lose 3 wickets for 11 runs, including KL Rahul, who was trapped LBW by Stokes on review.
Even with India down, they never gave up. Siraj took blows, Jadeja fought for nearly five hours, and the Lord’s crowd was treated to a modern classic.
Now, with the series delicately poised, all eyes turn to Old Trafford for the fourth Test.
