Thrilling Finale at Lord’s: IND vs ENG 3rd Test Day 5 Match Report

The final day of the third Test between India and England at Lord’s is unfolding into one of the most thrilling finales of the series. England set a challenging target of 193 runs, and early this morning, India stumbled to 58 for 4, placing the match on a knife’s edge . With KL Rahul (33)* and Rishabh Pant at the crease, India’s resilience will be tested against England’s attack led by Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer .

Morning Drama: Archer & Stokes Strike Early

England’s Seamers Dominate

England burst out of the blocks in the opening session. Jofra Archer returned from injury to deliver a scorching spell (88–94 mph), darting in with the new ball to claim the wickets of Washington Sundar (caught-and-bowled) and Rishabh Pant (bowled)—toppling off stump . Not to be outdone, Ben Stokes unleashed pace and precision, trapping KL Rahul lbw after a TV review . Archer and Stokes together reduced India to 37 for 3 in the crucial first hour .

India’s Response: Rahul & Pant Hold Firm

Despite losing quick top-order wickets—Yashasvi Jaiswal for a duck and Shubman Gill for just 6—KL Rahul steadied the ship, contributing a patient 33 not out, while Rishabh Pant joined him at the crease, showing grit and determination . As of mid‑afternoon, India stands at 58/4 in 17.4 overs , with another 135 runs needed to chase and six wickets in hand .

Key Statistics

Afternoon Outlook: Battle of Nerves

England’s attack will rely heavily on Archer, Stokes, and Brydon Carse, all of whom have bowled tight spells . The pitch at Lord’s has become increasingly unpredictable, offering seaming movement early on and variable bounce later in the day . With occasional cracks forming, especially around the crease, spinners may come into play, further complicating the chase .

What to Watch 

• Partnership building: Rahul and Pant must anchor the middle while shielding the tail.

• Bounce & seam: Can England exploit the uneven surface early?

• Crowd energy: A roaring Lord’s crowd could inspire England’s bowlers and raise tension for India .

• Longevity: India’s lower order must stay mentally strong under pressure.

Line-Up & Squad Notes

• India: Openers—Jaiswal, Rahul; middle order—Gill (c), Pant; allrounders—Jadeja, Sundar; bowlers—Bumrah, Siraj, Deep.

• England: Openers—Crawley, Duckett; captain Ben Stokes; key bowlers—Archer, Carse, Woakes .

Match Highlights (so far)

• Washington Sundar’s spell: 4‑22 helped skittle England for just 192 .

• Archer’s impact: His fiery opening spell disrupted India early .

• Crowd control: England citing Lord’s crowd as a catalyst to apply pressure .

Tension on Field

Tensions have flared on the field. India’s Mohammed Siraj was fined for an aggressive send-off after dismissing Ben Duckett, reflecting the high stakes and drama surrounding the match . Earlier, rain interruptions had triggered frustration, but the day promises full play and a definite result .

Final-Day Scenarios

1. India Wins – A smart counter-attack via Rahul‑Pant followed by a stable lower order will steer India across the finish line—only six wickets remain.

2. England Wins – Early breakthroughs from Archer and Stokes could dismantle India’s chase; Carse’s bowling support will be vital.

3. Dramatic Collapse – A sudden collapse, with wickets falling in clusters, could revive memories of Day 5 collapses past (e.g., Leeds Test series) .

Why This Day Matters

• Series Momentum: A win for either side will tilt the five-match Anderson‑Tendulkar Trophy 2–1.

• Player Legacies: Archer’s return spotlight, Jadeja‑Sundar’s lower‑order resolve, and Rahul’s captain’s composure.

• Historic chase: Only six teams have chased >190 at Lord’s—even fewer recently. A successful pursuit would be iconic .

Key Takeaways

• Seamers dictate: Archer and Stokes have early advantage.

• Rahul & Pant’s role: Need to shift from rebuilding to scoring.

• Pitch dynamics: Uneven bounce, cracks, possible spinner support.

• Emotional intensity: Fiery sledging and crowd involvement heightens stakes.

• Final pressure: Six wickets separate both teams from glory/defeat.

Conclusion

Day 5 at Lord’s promises Test cricket in its purest form—electric, unpredictable, and tension‑filled. With the target set at 193, India’s chase has stumbled to 58/4, but the presence of KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant provides renewed hope. Meanwhile, England’s pace attack led by Archer and Stokes are on the cusp of victory. If India overcomes the initial shock and builds partnerships, they can edge toward a historic chase. If not, England will seal a dramatic win and seize a 2–1 series lead.