Daijiworld Media Network - London
London, Jul 15: England edged past India in a nail-biting finish on Day 5 of the 3rd Test at Lord’s, clinching a narrow 22-run victory to take a 2-1 lead in the series. India, chasing 193 for victory, were bowled out for 170, thanks to a disciplined English bowling effort led by captain Ben Stokes and speedster Jofra Archer.
Stokes starred with the ball, grabbing 3/48 in 24 overs, while Archer made a memorable comeback to red-ball cricket after four years, dismissing Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar to derail India’s chase.
Speaking to reporters post-match, Stokes lightened the mood with a comical anecdote about Archer. “I just said to him this morning, ‘You know what today is?’ And he goes, ‘Yeah, that highlight package from when India chased 300… that was the World Cup final, right?’ Genuine,” Stokes laughed, referring to England's historic 2019 ODI World Cup win.
“I had to tell him, ‘No mate, the World Cup we won.’ And he goes, ‘Oh, that one!’ Absolute beauty that boy,” the captain added, triggering laughter in the press room.
The third Test win marked a fitting reminder of England’s cricketing highs, coming exactly six years after their dramatic World Cup triumph at the same venue.
The closely fought series now moves to Old Trafford, where the fourth Test begins on Wednesday, July 23.