England secured a memorable 22-run victory over India in a nerve-shredding third Test at Lord’s, taking a 2-1 lead in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series. The win came on the sixth anniversary of their maiden ODI World Cup triumph — an occasion made even more special by Jofra Archer’s return to the Test arena.
Set 193 to win after both teams posted 387 in their first innings, India fought doggedly on the final day. Ravindra Jadeja led a stirring rearguard with an unbeaten 61, forging stubborn stands with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj that pushed England to the brink. But under brooding skies, England’s attack refused to buckle.
Resuming at 58/4, India’s hopes of an early partnership were dashed as Ben Stokes and Archer ripped through the middle order. Eight wickets were down by lunch. Yet Jadeja remained ice-cool, surviving a close lbw call on 26 — saved by DRS — and steadily accumulating runs. When he reached his half-century off 150 balls, belief flickered again in the Indian camp.
The lower order clung on grimly. Bumrah frustrated England with a 132-ball stand alongside Jadeja. Stokes finally removed him with the new ball to break a partnership that had set nerves jangling in the home dressing room.
As tea approached, Siraj joined Jadeja for a final stand. Every single was greeted with gasps, every defensive prod ratcheting up the tension. But on the cusp of an extraordinary escape, Shoaib Bashir found a hint of spin, the ball trickling from Siraj’s bat onto his stumps to end India’s resistance at 170 in 74.5 overs.
Ben Stokes was named Player of the Match for his all-round influence—scores of 44 and 33, and five wickets across the two innings. Reflecting on the tense finale, he praised Archer’s decisive contribution.
I had a feeling Jof would do something special in his first Test back. Six years ago, he helped us win the World Cup. Today, he cracked the game open again.
Archer finished with 3/55 in the second innings, combining pace and discipline to peg India back whenever they threatened. Brydon Carse and Chris Woakes offered critical support, while Bashir, bowling despite a finger injury, claimed the final wicket to trigger wild celebrations.
India captain Shubman Gill rued missed opportunities but lauded his team’s spirit. “One good partnership up top and we would have been there,” he reflected. “Jaddu showed tremendous fight. Very proud of the lower order.”
England will now carry momentum into the fourth Test, while India will look to regroup after coming so close to scripting one of their great escapes.
Brief Scores: England 387 & 192 India 387 & 170 (Jadeja 61*, Stokes 3-48, Archer 3-55) England won by 22 runs
