Ravindra Jadeja
The 3rd Test match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series between India and England at Lord's provided a thrilling Day 5 that left spectators speechless. From the verge of a rapid defeat, India struggled their way back to drive the game into the final session, only to be defeated by a narrow margin of just 22 runs.
When India fell to 112/8, everyone thought the end was nigh. Writers were folding up, spectators were turning off, and even the commentators started preparing for an early finish. But what ensued was a tale of determination, courage, and good old-fashioned Test match drama.
Center to India's surprising resilience was Ravindra Jadeja, tall and standing amidst the wreckage with an untainted 61 off 181 balls. The Indian all-rounder built vital lower-order alliances—30 with Nitish Reddy, 35 with Jasprit Bumrah, and 23 with Mohammed Siraj—keeping India's hopes alive.
Though for a brave fight, India were bowled out short of the 193-run target, wrapping up their innings at 170.
The revival was a resounding testament to the fighting spirit of India, but a bitter pill to swallow as well.
Former Indian cricketer Ajay Jadeja encapsulated the mood in the dressing room, It's hard to think like that when you're in the dressing room. When you play and get so close, you can't be thinking of it. There will be disappointment, and no one is more disappointed than he. Many things happened – what was wrong and what was not. But true teams are those that arise out of this strong, but today is not the day to speak of it.
"It’s tough to think along those lines while you’re in the dressing room. When you play and come so close, you cannot be thinking of it. There will be disappointment, and no one is more disappointed than him. A lot of things happened – what went wrong and what didn’t. But real teams are those that emerge out of this strong, but today is not the day to talk about it."
India's loss was a result of some decisive moments. Rishabh Pant's attempt to give KL Rahul a lunchtime century in the first innings gave England the momentum they required. Also, leaking 32 extras came expensive, as did getting bowled out for 170 in a 193 chase.
With the series standing at 1-2 in England's advantage, India will need to reunite before the 4th Test at Old Trafford, beginning July 23. The seven-day gap provides the team with invaluable time to heal mentally and physically from the disappointment at Lord's.
