Day 4 of the India vs England 3rd Test at Lord’s unfolded as cricket at its most enthralling—an ebb-and-flow narrative that left India perched on a knife’s edge in a tense chase at Lord’s, with the match delicately poised for a thrilling final day.
England Fight Back Strongly
Having dismissed India for 387 in their first innings, England stumbled to just 192 in their second, undone by a devastating spell from Washington Sundar (4‑22), supported ably by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. With the scoreboard now reset at 193, India began their pursuit on a pitch showing uneven bounce and late movement—ideal for the disciplined English bowlers.
India Stumble in the Chase
India’s chase started poorly: Yashasvi Jaiswal fell for a duck, followed quickly by Karun Nair (14) and captain Shubman Gill (6), both trapped by Brydon Carse as the visitors slumped to 58/4 at stumps, needing 135 more runs with six wickets in hand. KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 33, his steady presence now vital for India’s hopes.
Late in the day, Ben Stokes delivered a blow—removing nightwatchman Akash Deep with the final ball of the day, tightening England’s grip further. Brydon Carse emerged as a stand‑out performer, finishing with two crucial wickets in the closing overs.
Historic Milestones Amid Pressure
Captain Shubman Gill may have failed with the bat in the second innings, but he broke Rahul Dravid’s 23-year-old record as the highest Indian run-scorer in a single Test series in England—an achievement underscoring his prolific form throughout the tour. Additionally, the Indian bowling team etched their mark in history: India cleaned bowled 12 England batsmen in the Test—their highest tally in a single match after seven decades.
On the other side, Ravichandran Ashwin humorously called out umpire Paul Reiffel, insinuating that “we never win when he officiates”—a light-hearted jab reflecting the intensity and frustration of a closely fought contest.
What Lies Ahead: All to Play For on Day 5
With 135 runs still to get and six wickets intact, India still has a path to victory—provided their middle and lower order stand up to England’s sustained bowling pressure. The deteriorating pitch favors bowlers, and the Lord’s crowd is primed for a spectacle, with all results plausible as Day 5 unfolds.
KL Rahul‘s composure will be critical. His unbeaten 33 under pressure showed his temperament, but he will need substantial support downstairs to tilt things back in India’s favor.
The Stakes: Series Balance on the Line
A win for India would give them a 1–0 lead in the five-match series, flipping the momentum in their favor. If England can hold on—or snatch an unlikely win—the series remains square, with Edgbaston and Trent Bridge looming as battlegrounds to decide the outcome.
Cricket pundits and fans alike are already calling this one of the most dramatic Day 4 finishes in recent memory. As the sun sets on a high-octane fourth day at Lord’s, Day 5 promises to be an unforgettable climax—a gripping finale India vs England 3rd Test showdown.
Photo Credit: The Guardian
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