England Edge Thriller at Lord's Despite Jadeja's Gritty 61*

Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten 61 spearheaded India’s spirited lower-order resistance that stretched for more than a session, but England managed to secure a tense 22-run win at Lord’s to take a 2-1 lead in the series. After a dramatic collapse of 3 for 11 early on Day 5, Jadeja forged two crucial stands — a 30-run partnership with Nitish Reddy and another 35 with Jasprit Bumrah — keeping India in the fight deep into the final session. But just before the intervals, Chris Woakes and Ben Stokes broke through, removing the resilient partnerships around Lunch and Tea, setting up England’s defense of 192.

That early collapse carried the momentum from England’s late Day 4 surge, sparked by Brydon Carse. India ended the previous day at 58 for 4 — having lost three late wickets including their captain and nightwatchman — still needing 135 runs. The momentum swung England’s way again in the morning as Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes unleashed probing spells.

Rishabh Pant managed to strike Archer for two early boundaries, but the pacer responded by uprooting his off-stump, followed by a fiery send-off. Stokes then trapped KL Rahul with a delivery that nipped back sharply. The appeal, initially turned down, was overturned on review. In the following over, Archer produced a brilliant low return catch to dismiss Washington Sundar for a duck. In just four overs, India slumped to 82 for 7.

Jadeja then joined forces with Reddy in an attempt to stabilize the innings. The duo ground out a valuable stand, gradually bringing the target closer, reducing the deficit to under 100 by the drinks break. Unlike their miscommunication-filled first-innings stand, the pair ran better and stayed more composed with the pressure mounting.

Though boundaries dried up — India went 80 deliveries without a four after Pant’s initial strikes — the tension never did. England’s fielders tried to provoke errors, especially targeting Reddy. A moment of confrontation emerged when Jadeja collided with Carse while running a second, sparking a heated exchange that Stokes diffused quickly.

Reddy impressed with his technique and patience, frustrating England for nearly an hour before Woakes had him edge one behind for 13 right before Lunch, leaving India at 112 for 8 — still 81 runs adrift, but with Jadeja determined to fight on.

With Bumrah for company, Jadeja tested England’s discipline. Indian fans at Lord’s were vocal, cheering every single run Jadeja managed or every resolute block by Bumrah. The crowd roared when Bumrah, after facing nine dot balls, finally scored with a powerful pull off Archer. Another loud moment came when Jadeja survived a Woakes LBW review and then launched him for six over mid-wicket on the next delivery.

Jadeja refused singles to protect Bumrah, who was playing his role to perfection, defending staunchly. It took 41 more deliveries before Bumrah scored again. Stokes resorted to a barrage of short balls, and while Bumrah fended them off for a while, one finally brought his downfall — a miscued pull shot off Stokes ended his gritty 54-ball stay for five.

With Tea approaching, play was extended, and Mohammed Siraj came out swinging — figuratively — enduring body blows, celebrating Jadeja’s fifty, and keeping England at bay. He finally scored off his 19th delivery as Jadeja brought up his fourth consecutive fifty in the series with a risky boundary. The iconic sword celebration, however, was delayed.

It never came. England started the final session with spin, and it was Shoaib Bashir — bowling with an injured finger — who landed the decisive blow. Siraj was bowled for 4 off 30 balls, leaving Jadeja stranded and India 22 runs short. England clinched the win just five overs into the final session of a gripping Test.

Brief Scores:
England 387 (Joe Root 104, Brydon Carse 56, Jamie Smith 51; Jasprit Bumrah 5-74) & 192 (Joe Root 40; Washington Sundar 4-22, Mohammed Siraj 2-31)
India 387 (KL Rahul 100, Rishabh Pant 74, Ravindra Jadeja 72; Chris Woakes 3-84, Jofra Archer 2-52) & 170 (Ravindra Jadeja 61*; Ben Stokes 3-48, Jofra Archer 3-55)

Result: England won by 22 runs