England Edges Ahead with Slight Lead at Stumps

LONDON: KL Rahul’s masterful century, combined with impressive half-centuries from Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja, propelled India to a total of 387 all out. This effort matched England’s first-innings score, leaving the Lord’s Test finely balanced after a captivating third day on Saturday.

At the close of play on day three, the English side managed to secure a marginal two-run advantage. Openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley successfully navigated a single over, bringing the score to 2/0.

Earlier, India resumed their first innings from a position of 145/3, with Rahul and Pant extending their partnership by an additional 103 runs. However, their quick dismissals led to a mini-collapse, leaving India at 254/5.

Rahul emerged as the leading scorer for the Indian team in the first innings, crafting a well-compiled 100 from 177 balls, which included 13 boundaries. Meanwhile, Pant showcased his aggressive intent with 10 fours and two sixes in his 74 off 112 deliveries.

Following these setbacks, Nitish Kumar Reddy joined Jadeja, and together they forged a valuable 72-run partnership for the sixth wicket.

The duo proved difficult for the English bowlers to dislodge until captain Ben Stokes intervened, claiming the crucial wicket of Reddy via a catch behind the stumps. The all-rounder contributed a patient 30 from 91 balls.

Jadeja then participated in another significant partnership, adding 50 runs for the seventh wicket with Washington Sundar before succumbing to Chris Woakes’ bowling.

The left-handed batter scored a solid 72 from 131 deliveries, hitting eight fours and a six.

His departure exposed India’s lower batting order, which was swiftly dismantled by the England pace attack within six overs for a mere six runs, resulting in India being bowled out for exactly 387.

Chris Woakes spearheaded England’s bowling attack, claiming three wickets. Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes supported him, each securing two wickets, while Shoaib Bashir and Brydon Carse took one wicket each.