Ben Stokes once again inspired England to a 22-run win over a stubborn India on an unbearably tense final day of the third Test at Lord’s.
The captain delivered a monumental shift with the ball to claim three wickets as India were bowled out for 170.
In an epic conclusion, the hosts had victory in their grasp until nerves were frayed by outstanding defiance from Ravindra Jadeja.
Chasing 193, India were 112-8 when Jadeja was joined by number 10 Jasprit Bumrah. They were together for almost 22 overs until Stokes, who bowled tirelessly from the Nursery End, drew Bumrah into a pull to mid-on. Bumrah’s contribution to a stand of 35 was five from 54 balls.
Still Jadeja resisted, this time with last man Mohammed Siraj. Stokes refused to stop bowling. A delayed tea was taken with 30 required for India.
The injured Shoaib Bashir was summoned after the break, and incredibly got Siraj to defend the ball into the ground and back on to his stumps. Bashir set off on a delirious celebration, probably his last act of a series in which he is likely to be ruled out of the final two Tests. Jadeja was left stranded on 61 from 181 balls.
The drawn-out finale was a direct contrast to a pulsating morning, when Stokes and Jofra Archer broke open the India batting with some irresistible pace bowling.
Archer ripped Rishabh Pant’s off stump out of the ground, Stokes had KL Rahul lbw on review for 39. Washington Sundar, who confidently told the media on Sunday night “India will win” was sensationally held by Archer’s agile swoop in his follow-through.
Jadeja began his vigil, first alongside Nitish Kumar Reddy for 15 overs, then Bumrah. Jadeja and Brydon Carse had to be separated after an accidental collision while Jadeja was running between the wickets.
England tried everything and thought they had Jadeja until he overturned being given lbw to Chris Woakes on 26. Once again, Stokes decided it was up to him.
After a spell of 9.2 overs in the morning, the talismanic captain launched into another of 10 up to tea. Bashir had the moment of glory, but it was Stokes who carried England on his back.
More to follow
