Day 5 of the Lord’s Test began with high anticipation, but it was England’s Jofra Archer who landed the first decisive blow, dismissing the dangerous Rishabh Pant in the very first hour. With India chasing 193 for victory and resuming at 58/4, Pant’s early dismissal turned the tide in England’s favour.
Pant, who had joined KL Rahul at the crease after nightwatchman Akash Deep was removed on the final delivery of Day 4, was expected to bring his trademark counter-attacking flair. And he did try — even skipping down the track to punch a boundary earlier in the over. But Archer, who had been menacing with the newish ball, had other plans.
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On the fifth delivery of the 21st over, Archer bowled from wide of the crease, angling the ball in before it jagged away off the seam. Pant, stuck in the crease with minimal footwork, offered a tentative prod. The ball beat his outside edge and clattered into the top of off stump. It was a peach — a delivery that had the perfect mix of pace, angle, and movement. Jofra Archer celebrated with a fiery send-off as England erupted with joy.
Stumps knocked back! 💥
And some chat 🗣
BIG wicket ☝ pic.twitter.com/JiJjkzJByX— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 14, 2025
Split screen angles just hit different with Jofra 😍👌 pic.twitter.com/9kf7r2QmUk
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 14, 2025
Pant, who had scored nine off 12 with two boundaries, could only walk back in frustration, leaving India reeling at 71/5. His wicket was a huge psychological win for England, given how crucial a role Pant plays in fourth-innings run chases.
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With KL Rahul holding one end and the pitch still offering unpredictable bounce and seam, Pant’s early dismissal left India’s hopes hanging by a thread. Archer’s spell not only lifted England’s spirits but also brought Lord’s alive, setting up a thrilling finish to one of the most dramatic Tests in recent memory.
