The third Test between India and England at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground lived up to its billing, delivering high drama, verbal duels, and an edge-of-the-seat finish. In a riveting five-day contest that swung back and forth, England eventually prevailed by 22 runs to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series.
Chasing a modest 193 for victory in the fourth innings, India collapsed to 112/8 by lunch on the final day, with the match seemingly slipping out of their grasp. However, Ravindra Jadeja, the ever-dependable all-rounder, held fort with a gritty unbeaten 61, stitching crucial stands with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. The tailenders resisted with admirable grit, and Jadeja nearly pulled off a miracle before Shoaib Bashir knocked over Siraj to seal the game for the hosts.
Former England cricketer and current Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott praised the intensity of the contest, admitting he was left nervously watching the final moments.
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“It was so tense—nail-biting stuff. I’m not sure I’ve got any nails left! This is what Test cricket is about—grit, tension, and a bit of spice. Yes, tempers flared and words were exchanged, but as long as the teams shake hands and move on, it’s all part of the drama,” Jonathan Trott said on JioHotstar.
He also defended the heated on-field atmosphere, citing it as part of the game’s competitive spirit. “It’s been played really hard out there. As long as the aggression doesn’t carry over into the next match, we’re good. I can’t wait to see who comes out on top in Manchester,” he added.
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Trott reserved special praise for Jadeja, who nearly dragged India to a famous win despite the top-order crumbling. “He played incredibly well. He showed poise, picked his moments, and kept calm. People can over-analyse, but had he gone for a big shot and failed, they’d have said he threw it away. I thought he gave India a real chance,” Trott noted.
As both teams now gear up for the fourth Test in Manchester, one thing is certain—the battle is far from over.
