How Did India Lose the Lord's Test to England? Check Reasons

It felt like a classic Test cricket at Lord’s on Day 5 of the third Test between England and India. The IND vs ENG 3rd Test had all the high-voltage drama, heated clash and swinging momentum, with India needing 193 and England hoping to close it out. And in the end, it was a heartbreak for the Indian side. They fell short by just 22 runs as the English bowlers wrapped the Indian batting lineup on just 170 runs.

India’s star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja fought valiantly till the end, going unbeaten for 61 runs. However, he didn’t get any support from the other end. Indeed, England played a way better cricket than India, but as the saying goes, you can only clap with both hands, just like that. Similarly, there were a few things that went wrong for the Indian team that led to this heartbreaking loss.

Who is Responsible for India Lord's Test Defeat?

So, who is Responsible for India Lord's Defeat? There are a lot of reasons behind India’s Lords defeat to England. KL Rahul dropped a regulation catch off Jamie Smith at slips during the first innings while he was batting on 5, and he ended up scoring 51 runs. Rishabh Pant getting run out just before the lunch on Day 3 which completely shifted the momentum, and India lost the chance to get some lead over the Three Lions. These were the few mistakes done by the Indian team initially; however, somehow, the bowlers rectified those mistakes and wrapped England on just 192 runs in the second innings.

With the kind of batting lineup India has, it looked like that they would chase the target pretty easily. But something unexpected and exciting was waiting for us. As the fourth day ended, India lost their four wickets on just 58 runs. India’s top order collapsed horribly. Yashasvi Jaiswal went for a duck, then goes Karun Nair on just 14 runs. India skipper Shubman Gill entered with a hope to remain not out till the day ends.

But Brydon Carse’s brilliance left Gill with no clue as he was dismissed LBW for just six runs. With a few overs still remaining, India sent Akash Deep as a nightwatchman, but that didn’t work for them as he was cleaned up by Ben Stokes and the day ended. However, India still had a long batting lineup to come. Pant and Rahul started the day on a positive note but Jofra Archer’s breathtaking delivery sent Pant’s stump cartwheeling.

England Bowlers Keep Taking Wickets

Soon, Rahul also went back to the pavilion on 39 runs to leave India tottering. Then came Washington Sundar, who had a brilliant time with the ball in the match. Unfortunately, he couldn’t keep up the same momentum with the bat, and once again, it was Archer who provided a much-needed breakthrough. However, Jadeja and the new batter, Nitish Kumar Reddy, showed some resilience and stitched a 30-run stand for the eighth wicket. But Reddy lost his concentration and nicked the ball to the keeper.

Jadeja still remained calm and kept his end safe, avoiding risky shots and taking rotating strikes at a moment where the tailenders, Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, wouldn’t need to face more deliveries. At once, it looked like that India can win this game as they needed just 22 runs, Jadeja looked solid, and even Siraj showcased his defensive skills.

But a delivery from Shoaib Bashir shattered the dreams of the Indian fans. Even after a solid defense, the ball spun backwards to the leg stump, enough to dislodge the bail, leaving Siraj and Jadeja both shell-shocked. The target looked easier, but it was India’s top-order and middle-order who couldn’t handle the pressure and failed to bat responsibly. It won’t be wrong to say that the tailenders showed more grit than the proper batters. However, it would be interesting to see what India’s approach will be for the fourth Test.