Key Highlights from Day 3 of the Lord’s Test
On Day 3 of the Test match at Lord’s, India made significant progress in their chase of England’s total of 387. The team managed to reach 248/4 by the end of the first session, with a standout partnership between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant playing a crucial role.
A Strong Partnership Between Rahul and Pant
KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant formed an exceptional 141-run partnership that brought India closer to England’s score. At lunch, Rahul was unbeaten on 98, while Pant had scored 74 runs from 112 balls, including eight fours and two sixes. Their collaboration proved vital as they helped the Indian side cross the 200-run mark.
India resumed the day’s play from 145/3, with both players still at the crease. The opening moments of the session were promising as Pant hit a boundary off the first ball of the day, bowled by Jofra Archer. This set the tone for a strong start.
Key Moments in the Session
One of the most notable moments came in the 54th over when KL Rahul hit three consecutive fours off Brydon Carse. This took his score to 76 off 148 balls. Later, Rahul reached 98 as he took a single off the last ball of the 57th over, which was bowled by Ben Stokes.
The 100-run partnership between Rahul and Pant was achieved in the 59th over when Stokes bowled a wide. Pant then scored his fifty with a powerful six on the final ball of Stokes’ over, showcasing his aggressive batting style.
However, the session ended with a dramatic moment as Pant was run out by a direct throw from Stokes. Despite this, his contribution was instrumental in keeping the innings alive.
England’s Bowling Performance
For England, the bowling attack managed to take four wickets. Chris Woakes, Jofra Archer, and Ben Stokes each claimed one wicket, while the rest of the wickets were taken by other bowlers. Woakes took 1/73 in 19 overs, Archer took 1/35 in 14 overs, and Stokes took 1/44 in 11 overs.
England’s First Innings
Earlier in the match, England’s captain Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to bat first. Their innings was anchored by a century stand between Joe Root (104) and Ollie Pope (44). Additionally, Brydon Carse and Jamie Smith contributed with a counter-attacking 82-run partnership, with both scoring fifties.
India’s Bowling Efforts
India’s bowling performance was commendable, with Jasprit Bumrah taking five wickets in 27 overs, conceding 74 runs and bowling five maiden overs. Mohammed Siraj and Nitish Kumar Reddy each took two wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja claimed one.
Match Summary
Brief Scores:
– England: 387 (Joe Root 104, Brydon Carse 56; Jasprit Bumrah 5/74)
– India: 248/4 (KL Rahul 98*, Rishabh Pant 74; Jofra Archer 1/22)
As the match progresses, the focus will be on how India manages to close the gap and secure a strong position in the game. The performance of key players like Rahul and Pant will be crucial in determining the outcome of the Test match.
