Stokes’ men trumped India by 22 runs after five days of gripping and absorbing Test cricket.
A promising opportunity for a decisive push in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy slipped away as India failed to chase down 193 runs in the fourth innings, which saw Stokes’ brilliance overcoming Jadeja’s defiant Stand.
Despite conditions not being difficult, why couldn’t India, known for their deep batting lineup, fail to chase down a relatively small total on Day 5?
India struggled under pressure when they lost 4 crucial wickets in the first session of day 5 in their chase of 193.
For England, the inclusion of Jofra Archer in the side gave that extra bite on a flat deck, and he immediately made an impact on Day 5 with the crucial wicket of Rishabh Pant, who was considered the danger man for England with his current form.
After Washington Sundar’s wicket, the pitch suddenly looked unplayable, but a rear-guard action between the all-rounders, Jadeja and Reddy saw some sense of calm return in the game. The partnership, however, went on a snail’s pace, which was the undoing of the partnership. England would have expected Nitesh Reddy’s dismissal to be the last draw of the dice. But a defiant Ravindra Jadeja kept the fight for the Indian team from one end and was equally supported by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
For the last 2 wickets, a gritty Jadeja orchestrated a tough fight back along with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, which gave some hope to the Indian fans. A quality now common that we see with the current Indian team.
India ultimately fell shot of the 193-run target by just 22 runs.
Ben Stokes, the Game Changer
Brilliance with the ball and keeping up the pressure with some brilliant field placement and bowling changes were reasons for a memorable Lord’s Test win.
In the first innings, Stokes made 44 runs and with the ball took two wickets. In the second innings, when India was pilling up the pressure, he made 33 runs in an important partnership with Joe Root. His three wickets in the second innings paved the path for a sensational win.
Stokes proved his worth as a fielder, executing a spectacular run out of Rishab Pant in the first innings, which derailed the Indian first innings.
Stocks was in India’s face throughout the fifth day on a flat Lord’s wicket, still making the ball swing and not giving any free runs, thus keeping up the pressure.
Stokes bowled his heart out and was relentless, holding up one bowling end, which helped the other English bowlers to rotate and put pressure on India’s middle and lower order. Stokes ended up bowling 10-over spells and forced India to earn every run. This also showed how competitive the English skipper was, especially at Lord’s, where no one has won more Player-of-the-Match awards in Tests than the English captain.
Archer’s fiery spell would help the pacer the much-needed confidence booster ahead of the upcoming Test matches, especially after a four-year absence from international cricket. He triggered India’s collapse by dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal in both innings, effectively denying any hopes of a solid start for the visitors.
He also got Washington Sundar in both innings and the crucial wicket of Rishab Pant in the second innings.
Key Moments of the Test match which went Stokes and England’s way
Defensive Approach on a batting-friendly wicket
India’s chase surprisingly saw batsmen take an ultra-defensive approach. The batsman made the English bowlers look more dangerous than they actually were. Except Jadeja and KL Rahul, no batsman showed any application.
Run out of Rishabh Pant
In the First Innings, Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul’s partnership was crucial and could have out-batted the English out of the third Test. But a magical fielding moment by the England skipper ended Rishabh’s impressive innings and also India’s momentum in the game.
Karun Nair
Karun Nair was given a lifeline by the selectors by including him in the third test after two back-to-back failures. While he was on crease, Karun Nair did look good, but not effective enough on a placid wicket.
A number three batsman needs to shoulder more responsibility and give direction to the team’s batting innings. Unfortunately, the dismissals in both innings have created more questions than answers for this Karnataka batsman.
Top order Failure
Apart from KL Rahul’s application, the Indian top order disappointed on a batting-friendly pitch, allowing the England batters to come back in the game. Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Karun Nair showed a deficiency in technique to play pace and swing. The failure of the top order allowed England not to concede a lead in the first innings, which became crucial in the match.
Fielding is still letting India down
KL Rahul dropping Jamie Smith on 5 gave England the lifeline needed in the first innings. The English wicket-keeper added 51 runs from 56 balls as England went from 265/5 to 355/7. A turning point in the Test.
63 Extras in the Match
India gave away 32 extras, out of which 25 were byes in the second innings. The Indian bowlers conceded 31 extras in the first innings too, making it 63 extras for the match.
SuperSports View
India needed just 135 with six wickets in hand on day 5. The lack of application in the first session of the fifth day was a body blow for Team India, with 4 wickets.
Ravindra Jadeja proved yet again, why he is considered one of the finest all-rounders India has produced. While a better bowling performance is expected in the next two test matches from the southpaw, he has proved to be a bankable batsman in the lower order.
It was only because of Ravindra Jadeja’s Grit that saw India coming close to the Target of 193.
The pitch wasn’t the most challenging for a fifth-day surface, and with a bit more application from the top-order, India could have been in a much stronger position. Jadeja’s innings showed the other batters that there were no demons on the pitch, and with a sounder technique, the target was within reach.
Lords also saw a brave, tireless Ben Stokes display his magic yet again in Test cricket. While the other English bowlers chipped in, it was Stokes who carried England on his back to this famous victory.
In the matches to follow, India will need to strengthen their top order to avoid England from winning a five-match series for the first time since 2018.
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