England captain Ben Stokes has shed light on the pivotal moment that swung the Lord’s Test in their favour: the crucial run-out of India’s in-form batter, Rishabh Pant.
The Instinctive Run-Out that Changed Everything
Speaking after England’s thrilling 22-run victory on Day 5, a visibly exhausted but satisfied Ben Stokes recounted the dramatic sequence of events on Day 3. Rishabh Pant, batting brilliantly at 74, was dismissed in a run-out that sent ripples through the match, ultimately proving decisive.
Stokes explained his mindset during the high-pressure situation. “I had bowled an important spell, I was pretty pumped up,” he said. Positioned at extra cover, his natural instincts kicked in when he saw Pant momentarily stutter.
“It was one of those things, I saw Rishabh stutter in my peripheral, natural instincts took over,” Stokes shared in the post-match interview at Lord’s. He described the “great feeling” of releasing the ball and knowing it was headed directly for the stumps.
He further emphasized the wicket’s importance, acknowledging Pant’s dangerous form. “Big part of the game, Rishabh played really well, we all know how dangerous he can be and that wicket this morning was a big one and Jofra was the man to do it,” he added.
Captains Agree: Pant’s Wicket Was Key
The significance of Pant’s dismissal was echoed by India’s captain, Shubman Gill. He pinpointed the run-out as the most vital turning point that shifted momentum squarely in England’s favour.
“The most vital turnaround point for me was Rishabh’s runout,” Gill stated at the post-match press conference. He believed that if Pant had stayed longer, India could have added crucial runs, potentially altering the match’s outcome.
A Thrilling Test Decided at Lord’s
The third Test at Lord’s was a fluctuating encounter, ultimately decided on the fifth and final day. India began the day needing 135 runs with six wickets in hand, chasing a target of 193 set by England.
England’s bowlers, led by Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes, relentlessly pushed for wickets. While the hosts managed to claim four Indian batters before lunch, they faced stiff resistance for the remaining two. Ravindra Jadeja fought heroically for India, scoring a gritty unbeaten 61.
However, despite Jadeja’s valiant effort, India was eventually bowled out for 170. Archer finished with an impressive 3/55, and Stokes contributed significantly with 3/48, cementing England’s 22-run victory and giving them a 2-1 lead in the series.
- Ben Stokes’ quick thinking led to the crucial run-out of Rishabh Pant.
- Pant’s dismissal at 74 runs was identified as the turning point by both captains.
- England secured a narrow 22-run victory in a tightly contested Lord’s Test.
- Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten 61 was a highlight for India despite the loss.
The thrilling contest at Lord’s delivered high drama, with individual moments of brilliance proving decisive in the outcome.
