IND vs ENG: England secured a 23-run victory against India at Lord’s in an emotionally charged Test match that will sit with the best of recent years, in which England showed great resilience, drive, and a ‘never give in’ attitude that was encouraged by the presence of Ben Stokes.
Ravindra Jadeja’s remarkable efforts fell agonisingly short, but he too showed tremendous spirit.
Stokes’ Iron-Willed Spell Turns the Tide
Six years to the day since England’s World Cup triumph, Ben Stokes again played hero, refusing to let up until he pulled his team over the line. Bowling non-stop spells of 9.2 and then 10 overs, he not only demonstrated physical stamina but also maximum tactical mastery of the situation. He even fielded a bathroom application from Jadeja, symbolizing the psychological advantage he had secured.
Jadeja’s Heroics Leave India in the Running
Ravindra Jadeja, India’s ever-dependable all-rounder, was a wall between defeat and survival. With his fourth successive Test fifty, he organized the tail in an attempt to pursue the target.
Jadeja’s calm defiance, coupled with his strategic plowing of the strike, raised hopes for India. But nature had other plans, as he had to dash off for a toilet break during the crisis. His gallant effort, sadly, proved insufficient in the end.
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Morning Session: Archer and Stokes set the stage
India entered Day 5 of the IND vs ENG Test in need of 135 runs, but they were under attack by an enraged England. Jofra Archer, returning to Test action after four years, served up a scorching delivery to bowl Rishabh Pant after one earlier one-handed boundary had got under his skin. Archer’s enraged celebration indicated just how much the moment meant.
Then arrived Stokes’ warning “Bang, bang” before sending KL Rahul packing through an lbw that involved a successful review. England’s ferocity reached new heights as India shed three wickets for only 11 runs, getting off to a shaky start.
Reddy-Jadeja Stand Offers Temporary Relief
There was a mini-recovery through an 89-ball, 30-run alliance between Jadeja and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy. They repelled England’s pushback as chants of “Indiaaa!” went around the Lord’s. The battle of the mind went on, with Harry Brook having a dig at “Not the IPL,” and Stokes trying to get under the skin of Jadeja. But the pair were unfazed.
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Just as it appeared India were getting back on top, Chris Woakes cut short Reddy’s innings with a well-deserved edge. England took their departure to a standing ovation at lunch, having regained the initiative.
Bumrah and Jadeja Build Belief
Jadeja and Bumrah combined in a gritty ninth-wicket partnership after lunch, staying for 131 balls. Jadeja’s six over extra cover off Woakes, after reversing an lbw call, was the only boundary in an 11-over period. Their strategy was aimed at pinching singles, particularly off the fourth ball. Bumrah batted with unconventional calmness, frustrating England some more.
But Stokes did it again. With short-pitched bowling in his sixth over, he lured Bumrah into a mis-timed hook. A top edge and an easy catch left India reeling.
The Final Blow: Bashir Seals It
The last act was in the fifth over post-tea. Shoaib Bashir, having been bowling with a fractured finger, generated a delivery that deflected off Siraj’s bat onto the stumps. It was cruel and beautiful. England had celebrated a record win, their closest ever at Lord’s, and India were left devastated, 23 runs short.
Stokes – The Relentless Commander
Tired but unyielding, Stokes had forgotten to pick up his cap, a small testament to his complete focus on the game. Even after ensuring the win, he remained frozen in place, observing as his teammates went wild with excitement. They approached him, realizing that this victory was as much his as anyone’s.
IND vs ENG Produces a Test Masterpiece
The IND vs ENG Lord’s Test will be etched in memory for passion, grit, and drama. Jadeja’s lone fight, Stokes’ superhuman bowling, and Archer’s fired-up comeback all combined to make a Test classic. England now carries the momentum forward, while India looks back in regret at lost opportunities and the heartbreak of coming so close.
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