Ind vs Eng 3rd Test: India reel at 112/8 at lunch, stare down barrel of defeat at Lord’s

Ravindra Jadeja (Pic: BCCI)

India's batting unit crumbled under relentless pressure from England's pace attack, spearheaded by a resurgent Jofra Archer, on a spicy Day 5 pitch at Lord's, sliding to the edge of defeat in the third Test on Monday. Archer, returning to red-ball cricket after more than four years, made an emphatic statement with his pace and accuracy, leading England's charge on a surface that kept the batters guessing with its unpredictable bounce.

Chasing 193 for victory, India resumed at 58 for four, needing 135 more runs on a pitch that had deteriorated significantly. The onus was on experienced batters Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul to anchor the innings and guide India to what would have been only their fourth win at Lord's since 1932. However, the morning session proved to be a nightmare, as India collapsed under pressure.

Pant (9 off 12) and Rahul (39 off 58), India's two best hopes, were dismissed within the span of 18 deliveries. The loss of Washington Sundar (0 off 4) further compounded India's woes. The team quickly found itself gasping at 95 for seven, still 98 runs away from the target, as England sensed victory.

Pant, who had injured his left index finger while keeping on Day 1, was clearly struggling to handle Archer's searing pace. He winced repeatedly as the ball climbed sharply and struck his bat awkwardly. Despite his discomfort, Pant tried to assert himself, flicking and driving Archer for two boundaries, one of which was a spectacular one-handed shot. But Archer, known for producing match-turning spells, struck gold once again. He delivered a peach that pitched and straightened just enough to crash into Pant's off-stump, leaving the wicketkeeper-batter no chance.

Rahul, at the other end, looked composed and determined to steer the chase, but his resistance ended soon after. England skipper Ben Stokes, charging in from the Nursery End, bowled a fiery spell and removed Rahul with a delivery that jagged back sharply. Though the on-field umpire initially ruled it not out, a successful DRS review overturned the decision, triggering jubilant celebrations.

As Nitish Reddy edged behind off Chris Woakes at the stroke of lunch, India were left reeling at 112 for eight. Even on a working Monday, the crowd at Lord's turned out in large numbers, bearing witness to a thrilling finish. With Ravindra Jadeja and the tail left to defy the odds, England looked set to seal the match.

(With PTI inputs)