Can England Secure a 2-1 Series Lead Against India?
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Synopsis
As England edges closer to a pivotal series lead, Day Five of the third Test showcased exceptional bowling performances. Can they capitalize on this momentum and secure victory against India? Dive into the action-packed highlights and pivotal moments that shaped this thrilling encounter.
Key Takeaways
- England's bowling attack showcased exceptional skill and strategy.
- India's middle order struggled under pressure, particularly against fast bowling.
- Critical partnerships can shift momentum in Test matches.
- The unpredictable nature of cricket makes every session crucial.
- England is now on the brink of a significant series lead.
London, July 14 (NationPress) - On Day Five of the third Test in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes, and Chris Woakes showcased their bowling prowess, bringing England to the brink of a 2-1 series lead at Lord's as they restricted India to 112/8 at lunchtime on Monday.
Starting Day Five with an overnight score of 58/4, India was in pursuit of 135 runs for a splendid victory. However, Stokes and Archer made quick work of the Indian lineup, claiming three key wickets, including those of Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul, within the first hour. Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy managed to forge a gritty 30-run partnership before Woakes dismissed Reddy for 13 just before lunch, setting England on a path toward a remarkable victory.
With the sky overcast, Pant started the day by striking a loose delivery from Archer for four. However, he struggled with his injured hand, facing deliveries clocking over 140km/h from the fast bowler, who relentlessly targeted the stumps.
Pant impressed with a one-handed drive through mid-on for four, but Archer retaliated effectively, bowling a delivery that clipped Pant's off stump after the left-hander misjudged it, sending him back to the pavilion for just nine runs.
The ever-reliable Stokes added to the pressure, claiming Rahul's wicket when a ball nipped back sharply, hitting his pads. Despite a strong appeal for LBW being turned down by the umpire, Stokes successfully overturned the decision on review, with replays confirming the ball would have clipped the top of the stumps, sparking jubilation amongst the English players.
Archer then displayed his athleticism with a stunning one-handed catch off his own bowling to dismiss Washington Sundar for a four-ball duck. From a precarious 82/7, Jadeja and Reddy rotated the strike effectively, helping India surpass the 100-run mark in the 32nd over.
As the condition of the ball deteriorated, Jadeja and Reddy managed to survive, even after Jadeja collided with Brydon Carse while attempting a quick two. Reddy eventually struck India's first boundary in 80 balls with a well-timed drive past diving cover for four before narrowly escaping a dismissal with a streaky inside edge.
However, just before lunch, Woakes found Reddy's outside edge with a short ball angled from wide, leading to a straightforward catch by Jamie Smith behind the stumps and halting a resilient partnership, as England now needed only two more wickets to clinch the match when play resumed after the break.
Summary of scores:
England: 387 and 192 lead India: 387 and 112/8 in 39.3 overs (KL Rahul 39, Ravindra Jadeja 17 not out; Jofra Archer 3-41, Brydon Carse 2-21) by 81 runs.
Point of View
It's pivotal to acknowledge England's dominant bowling performance, which has placed them on the verge of clinching the series. The resilience shown by India's lower order, particularly Jadeja and Reddy, deserves recognition. This match exemplifies the unpredictable nature of Test cricket, where fortunes can shift dramatically.
NationPress
14/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the standout players for England in the third Test?
Jofra Archer, Ben Stokes, and Chris Woakes were the key wicket-takers, playing pivotal roles in reducing India's score.
What was India's overnight score heading into Day Five?
India resumed Day Five with an overnight score of 58/4, requiring 135 runs for victory.
How many runs did England lead by at lunchtime?
At lunch, England led India by 81 runs, with India at 112/8.
What was the nature of the pitch conditions on Day Five?
The day began under cloudy skies, which likely aided the bowlers in their pursuit of wickets.
What was the final score summary at lunchtime?
The score summary was England 387 and 192, leading India 387 and 112/8 in 39.3 overs.
