Rahul, Pant and Jadeja excel as match remains evenly poised

Lord’s holds a special place in K.L. Rahul’s heart. The last time he played a Test at the iconic venue, back in 2021, the opener scored a century and helped pave the way for a convincing Indian victory.

Four years later, he returned to Lord’s with another ton — a composed 100 (177 balls, 13×4) — and shared a 141-run stand for the fourth wicket with Rishabh Pant, as India levelled England’s first-innings total of 387.

Rahul and Pant laid the foundation, while it was Ravindra Jadeja’s gritty 72 off 131 balls (8×4, 1×6) that ensured there was nothing to separate the two sides. To add to the drama of the third day’s play, India lost its last four wickets for just 11 runs, missing out on a first-innings lead.

England batted for one over and ended the day at two without loss. Though tempers flared slightly towards the end of play — following the Indian fielders’ sarcastic applause after Zak Crawley suffered a blow to the hand — England will be satisfied with how it bounced back.

With the pitch offering little in the opening session, a cautious Rahul showed exemplary discipline before breaking free. In what was a near-flawless innings, he tested the bowlers’ patience, while Pant (74, 112 balls, 8×4, 2×6), true to his reputation, played cheeky strokes despite nursing a left index finger injury.

Jofra Archer delivered his fastest spell in the second session and troubled the batters, though he initially erred in line. Pant capitalised with a flick to fine leg before dancing down the track to loft one over the infield. Archer, however, regrouped and consistently clocked deliveries above 140 kmph, at one point keeping India scoreless for 31 consecutive balls.

Rahul eventually launched a flurry of boundaries, particularly against Brydon Chase. Once the pressure eased, both Rahul and Pant settled into their natural rhythm.

England changed the ball twice in the span of 11 overs, and captain Ben Stokes introduced himself into the attack, employing a short-ball strategy. Though it slowed the scoring rate, Pant adapted well and reached his half-century with a hook shot over long leg. In doing so, he surpassed Vivian Richards’ record for most sixes (34) against England in Test cricket. When spinner Shoaib Bashir came on, Pant welcomed him with a straight six down the ground.

However, just before lunch, India faltered. With Rahul on 98, he called for a risky single after Pant defended a Bashir delivery into the off-side. Sensing Pant’s hesitation, Stokes sprinted in from cover and effected a direct hit at the non-striker’s end, ending Pant’s gritty innings.

Shortly after lunch, Rahul brought up his 10th Test century, but was dismissed by Bashir off the very next ball.

The quick dismissals shifted momentum in England’s favour, but Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy remained composed, surviving at least three run-out chances to forge a 72-run stand.

Jadeja then added another 50 runs alongside Washington Sundar, as India ended the day on level terms. (The Hindu)