Fans erupt as KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja lead India’s fightback on Day 3 of Lord’s Test against England

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The third day of the Lord’s Test between England and India offered a compelling mix of skill, resilience, and raw emotion. India, led by the composed KL Rahul and the ever-reliable Ravindra Jadeja, clawed their way to 387 – matching England’s first-innings score – before a late drama-filled period capped off the day. While the scoreboard reads parity, the subtext of individual battles, tactical shifts, and missed opportunities added layers to the contest.

KL Rahul’s classy ton anchors India’s innings

Rahul was India’s axis on Saturday. In conditions that tested patience and skill, he delivered a masterclass in control and timing, scoring a century that was as much about mental discipline as it was about technique. Though his dismissal on 100—attempting to force the pace after a nervous pause on 98—might not feature in his personal highlights reel, it was nonetheless the innings that held India together.

Rahul’s hundred marked India’s eighth on this tour, setting a new benchmark. But more than the numbers, it was the poise and quiet authority he exuded that frustrated England, who found themselves toiling for breakthroughs on an unresponsive pitch.

Ben Stokes’ fire, Jofra Archer’s fury test India’s resolve

Ben Stokes, having recently returned to bowling post-surgery, rolled back the clock with a thunderous five-over spell, targeting Rishabh Pant with a barrage of short balls. Pant, nursing an injured finger, stood up to the assault bravely—until a moment of overzealousness cost India dearly. Attempting a sharp single to get Rahul back on strike before lunch, Pant was run out by a spectacular direct hit from Stokes—an incident that changed the mood of the session.

Meanwhile, Jofra Archer gave a reminder of his menace with the ball. Clocking speeds over 150 kmph, the England pacer’s post-lunch burst was electric, rattling Jadeja and Nitish Reddy. Though wickets didn’t come, Archer’s intensity set the tone for England’s body-language revival.

Also READ: ENG vs IND: Ravi Shastri blasts umpires for time-wasting over ball change on Day 3 of Lord’s Test

Ravindra Jadeja shows grit as England turn to delay tactics

Jadeja once again proved his value with a crucial 72-run knock, countering pace with calm. He guided the tail efficiently, ensuring India batted deep and erased the deficit. But the day ended in simmering tension. With just minutes remaining, England’s openers—Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett—opted for stalling tactics. Crawley’s exaggerated leaf through overs and sarcastic banter triggered visible frustration from Shubman Gill, who responded with slow claps and pointed gestures as the light faded.

At stumps, England were 2 for no loss in their second innings, holding a slender two-run lead. While the numbers suggest even ground, the momentum feels shaded in India’s favour. Rahul’s resilience, Jadeja’s solidity, and a fired-up dressing room have kept the tourists firmly in the contest.

With two days remaining and plenty of heat—both figurative and literal—this Lord’s Test is shaping up as another chapter in the long-standing rivalry between two proud cricketing nations.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also WATCH: ENG vs IND – Jofra Archer hurls his quickest over as every delivery breaches 90 MPH mark on Day 3 of Lord’s Test





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