They did raise hopes with their long vigil at the crease, before the England bowlers eventually outsmarted them
Ravindra Jadeja during his unbeaten 61. Pic/Bipin Patel
Grit and determination were writ large on Ravindra Jadeja’s effort, the way he battled against odds on an enthralling final day of the third Test at Lord’s. That earned him praise from all quarters, including the English supporters, but sadly, a famous win eluded India narrowly.
With all the main batters back in the pavilion early on the final day, Jadeja tried his best to take Indian across the line while chasing 193 for a win, but he did not receive adequate support at the other end. Though he and Jasprit Bumrah did frustrate the English bowlers for well over 20 overs and he then carried on the battle with last man Mohammed Siraj, in the end, the task proved beyond them.
After India had lost four wickets in the pre-lunch session, Jadeja took up the challenge along with Bumrah. They did raise hopes with their long vigil at the crease, before the England bowlers eventually outsmarted them.
The match will be remembered for the determined batting by Jadeja, who got India very close to the target. The 22-run defeat is the smallest margin by runs for India in a Test in England. The earlier smallest loss was by 31 runs in Birmingham in 2018. India were then required to score 194 and were bowled out for 162. In this match requiring 193, they fell for 170 when last man Siraj played the ball onto his stumps, much to the disappointment of a large contingent of Indian fans in the stands.
For Jadeja, who has played 83 Tests, with four centuries and a couple of 90s, this could be his last Test match at Lord’s. A win would have made it memorable, but his unbeaten 61— a valiant effort with the tail-enders for over four hours — will be remembered nevertheless.
Four
No of consecutive 50-plus scores for Ravindra Jadeja
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