England Edge India by 22 Runs in Lord’s Thriller, Take 2-1 Lead

Sports News: In a nail-biting finish at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, England narrowly defeated India by 22 runs, taking the lead in the ongoing five-match Test series. The match had all the drama and grit that Test cricket stands for, with momentum swinging both ways until the final hour. India began the last day needing 193 runs to win with six wickets in hand. However, a tricky pitch and disciplined English bowling made the task increasingly difficult.

The Indian innings ended at 170, falling short despite a valiant fight from the lower order. KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant were at the crease when play resumed on Day 5. Pant fell early, bowled by Jofra Archer for 9 runs, and Rahul departed shortly after, dismissed by Ben Stokes for 39 runs. Things went downhill quickly when Washington Sundar was caught and bowled by Archer. Though Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy tried to steady the innings, England’s Chris Woakes broke their stand, sending Reddy back for just 13 runs.

Jadeja’s Grit Goes in Vain

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja stood tall amid the collapse, remaining not out on 61 off 181 balls. He fought hard with limited support, first from Jasprit Bumrah, with whom he shared a 35-run partnership, and later from Mohammed Siraj. But the resistance ended when Bumrah mistimed a pull shot off Stokes and was caught in the deep. Siraj, who had started looking comfortable, was bowled in unlucky fashion—his backfoot defense off Shoaib Bashir bounced off the bat and deflected onto the stumps.

Deadlock in First Innings, England Dominate Second

Remarkably, both sides scored 387 runs in their first innings, setting up a thrilling second half of the match. England then posted 192 in their second outing, leaving India a modest but tricky target. Unfortunately for the visitors, they couldn’t hold their nerve under pressure.

Indian Bowlers Shine Before Batting Falters

India’s bowlers kept them in the contest with a disciplined performance on Day 4. Mohammed Siraj removed both Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope, while Nitish Reddy claimed Zak Crawley. Akashdeep got the better of Harry Brook, and Washington Sundar made crucial breakthroughs, dismissing Joe Root, Jamie Smith, and Ben Stokes. England were bundled out for 192, giving India hope. However, the Indian top order faltered again. Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed for a duck, Karun Nair made 14, and Shubman Gill failed to contribute significantly. Nightwatchman Akashdeep was also dismissed cheaply, compounding the damage.

England Ahead in the Series

With this win, England now lead 2-1, heading into the next Test with momentum on their side. They executed their plans perfectly, setting attacking fields and bowling with discipline to restrict India on the final day. India must bounce back quickly to stay alive in the series. This Test was a testament to the enduring charm and unpredictability of red-ball cricket, especially at a historic venue like Lord’s.