New Delhi: A panoramic testing series scored another intensive turn, as England scored 22 runs in an exciting third Test at Lord’s on Monday, leading 2–1 lead with two matches in Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. India was staring at the 147 defeat for 9, yet 46 more runs were required to reach the 193-Run target, when Mohammad Sirj included Ravindra Jadeja at the crease. The pair protested after the breakdown of tea on the last day, which gave India a glimpse of hope for an impossible victory.However, as soon as the visitors started to believe, Siraj was rejected by Shoaib Bashir. The right-handed batsman offered an off-spinner a defensive shot, but the ball turned backwards and climbed on leg’s bail, excluding India for 170.As the England festival erupted, Siraj was destroyed, and Jadeja remained unbeaten on 61, batted for about four and a half hours to register his fourth straight straight of the series.After the Hardik defeat, India wicketkeeper-boss Rishabh Pant shared an emotional message on social media.“We work hard, but sometimes the game never goes into your way. Test cricket never stops teaching,” Pant posted.The run-out of the pants, attempting to help KL Rahul to complete his centenary just before lunch, was described as a “error of decision” by India captain Shubman Gill, making it clear that it was not operated by individual milestones.Talking to the media after narrow losses, Gill said that the dismissal of pants on 74 proved to be a decisive moment in the match.
“We talk a lot about this, being interested in the team ahead of the individual milestone. But I think it was an error of decision, instead to score 100 runs. I think he said that it would be better if he scored 100 runs before lunch. A batsman feels pressure on 99 runs.“But at the end of the day, I don’t think it was individual and went out due to his personal milestone. It was an error of the decision. Rishabh called. KL Bhai was in danger. I would say that it was an error of decision. It can happen to any batsman.
“Saying that, the most important moment for us was Rishabh’s run out. At one point, we thought we could take a lead of 50 or 100 runs. We knew that it would not be easy to bat on 5 days. The more lead in the first innings we take, the better for us. It is better for us. It also keeps the second team on the backfoot.”