Stokes Honored as Player of the Match After Comprehensive Display

LONDON: England secured a tight 22-run victory against India in the third Test of the five-match series at Lord’s on Monday, thanks to a combined effort from returning bowler Jofra Archer and captain Ben Stokes, who successfully defended a target of 193.

India’s batting lineup faltered, managing only 170 in response to the target, despite a resilient half-century from Ravindra Jadeja.

The visiting team resumed their chase from 58/4, led by first-innings centurion KL Rahul and in-form wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant.

Archer dismissed Pant (9) early on the final day, ending the brief partnership after they added just 13 runs.

Stokes then dealt another significant blow to India, trapping Rahul lbw for 39, which included six boundaries.

India’s situation worsened when Archer removed Washington Sundar for a duck, reducing the side to 82/7.

Following this collapse, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Jadeja formed a 30-run partnership, pushing India past the 100-run mark.

The eighth-wicket partnership ended with Reddy’s dismissal just before lunch, having scored 13 runs from 53 balls.

Jadeja then partnered with Jasprit Bumrah for a 35-run stand for the ninth wicket. Bumrah contributed five runs off 54 balls before falling to Stokes in the second session.

Jadeja added 13 runs for the final wicket with Mohammed Siraj, who was dismissed by Shoaib Bashir, resulting in India being all out for 170.

Jadeja remained unbeaten, scoring a valiant 61 off 181 balls, including four boundaries and a six.

Archer and Stokes each claimed three wickets for England, with Brydon Carse taking two, and Woakes and Bashir each taking one.

Ben Stokes was named Player of the Match for his outstanding all-round contribution.

With this 22-run victory, England now leads the series 2-1. The fourth Test is scheduled to take place at Old Trafford in Manchester from July 23-27.