England edged past India by 22 runs in a gripping third Test at Lord’s. With this win, the hosts now lead the five-match Test series 2-1. Following the loss, Indian captain Shubman Gill addressed the media and reflected on what went wrong.
Article Contents
He acknowledged the close nature of the contest and expressed pride in India’s performance.
“Test Cricket Can’t Get Closer Than This,” Says Shubman Gill
After the defeat, Shubman Gill praised his team’s fight till the end. “I am very proud,” Gill said. “Test cricket doesn’t get closer than this.”
He shared that India started the final day with belief. “We were confident this morning. We had enough batting left,” he said. However, the team needed partnerships at the top, which didn’t happen.
“They (England) played better. One partnership could have changed the game,” the skipper noted.
IND vs ENG 3rd Test: Ravindra Jadeja Led Late Fightback
Chasing a modest target, India collapsed early and were 82/7 at one point. But Ravindra Jadeja kept the fight alive with an unbeaten 61 off 181 balls.
He built crucial stands with the lower order:
-
30-run stand with Nitish Kumar Reddy (91 balls)
-
35 runs with Jasprit Bumrah (132 balls)
-
23 runs with Mohammed Siraj (80 balls)
Despite these efforts, India fell short of the target by just 22 runs.
Gill praised Jadeja’s composure, stating, “Jaddu is experienced. We gave him no message—just let him play.”
India Missed Top-Order Partnerships, Says Captain
Gill admitted that early wickets cost India the match. “We needed top-order partnerships. That didn’t happen.”
The lack of stability at the start left too much for the tail to do.
“England grabbed key moments. They held their nerve better,” he added.
Rishabh Pant Injury Update: “Should Be Fit for 4th Test”
Shubman Gill also provided a positive update on Rishabh Pant’s injury. The wicketkeeper was injured on Day 1 during the second session. He left the field after hurting his left index finger.
Gill said, “Pant went for scans. Nothing major has been found. He should be fit for Manchester.”
Pant is expected to return for the crucial fourth Test, which starts in Manchester next week.
Will Jasprit Bumrah Play the 4th Test?
When asked about Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the fourth Test, Gill chose to stay silent.
He responded, “You’ll find out very soon.” He didn’t clarify if Bumrah was dealing with any injury.
Bumrah played a key role in the second Test win and his presence in Manchester will be crucial.
IND vs ENG Series Score After Third Test
-
1st Test: England won
-
2nd Test: India leveled the series
-
3rd Test: England won by 22 runs
The series now stands at 2-1 in England’s favor with two more matches to go.
IND vs ENG 3rd Test: Match Summary
-
Venue: Lord’s, London
-
Result: England won by 22 runs
-
India’s second innings: All out for 209 chasing 232
-
Top scorer: Ravindra Jadeja (61*)
-
England’s key performers: Mark Wood (4 wickets), Joe Root (84 runs)
What Went Wrong for India?
-
Poor top-order batting: India lost early wickets in both innings.
-
No big partnerships: Batsmen failed to stitch match-turning stands.
-
England’s disciplined bowling: Mark Wood and Ollie Robinson used the overcast conditions well.
-
Missed chances in fielding: A couple of dropped catches proved costly.
What’s Next for Team India?
India will regroup before the 4th Test in Manchester, which begins in five days. The team management will monitor Pant’s fitness. A decision on Bumrah may come soon.
India needs to win the next Test to level the series again. The pressure is back on Gill and his team to bounce back.
Shubman Gill as Captain: Calm Under Pressure
This is Shubman Gill’s first series as full-time Test captain. Despite the result, he has shown clarity in decision-making.
He backed his bowlers, trusted his batters, and maintained composure in close moments.
His handling of the press after the loss also drew praise. Gill focused on the positives and showed faith in the squad.
England’s Perspective
England captain Ben Stokes praised his team’s execution under pressure. He commended the bowlers for delivering breakthroughs at crucial stages.
With a 2-1 lead at home, England will now aim to seal the series in Manchester.
Fans React to the Nail-Biting Finish
Social media lit up after the close finish at Lord’s. Cricket fans praised Jadeja’s valiant knock and the lower order’s resistance.
Critics, however, raised questions about India’s shot selection and top-order failures.
Many called it one of the most thrilling Test matches played at Lord’s in recent years.
Despite the loss, India’s grit stood out. The fightback led by Jadeja showed the team’s depth and character.
If India can fix their top-order issues, the next two Tests promise more fireworks.
For now, all eyes turn to Manchester, where the fourth Test could decide the series.
