London: The third Test at Lord’s is tantalisingly poised heading into the final day, after a dramatic fourth day saw India bowl England out for 192 and then stumble to 58 for 4 in their chase.
K L Rahul held firm with a gritty 33* as the visitors ended the day still needing 135 runs but having lost key wickets under late pressure.
Earlier, England began the day at 2/0 and reached Lunch at 98 for 4. A 67-run stand between Joe Root (40) and Ben Stokes (27) offered brief resistance, but India’s bowlers kept chipping away. Washington Sundar led the charge post-lunch, first bowling Root with a turning delivery behind his legs, then dismantling Jamie Smith with a drifting ball that crashed into off stump.
Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah maintained relentless pressure, with the latter dismissing Ben Stokes just before Tea. England were 175/6 at the interval but folded quickly thereafter, losing their final four wickets for just 17 runs. Akash Deep and Nitish Reddy also chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.
Despite a modest target to chase, India's top order faltered under late afternoon clouds and lively English bowling. Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed early, and Shubman Gill’s wicket – decided after two reviews – sparked a mini-collapse. Karun Nair and Akash Deep followed soon after, leaving India precariously placed at 58/4 at stumps.
India’s innings featured three unsuccessful reviews and a final wicket that went against them on umpire’s call. With the pitch still offering variable bounce and seam movement, both sides have plenty to play for on Day 5.
The momentum has swung several times across four gripping days, and with England’s bowlers fired up and India’s batting lineup under pressure, the match is now delicately balanced.
Brief scores at Day 4 stumps:
England 2nd Innings: 192 all out in 62.1 overs (Joe Root 40, Ben Stokes 33; Washington Sundar 4/22, Bumrah 2/38, Siraj 2/31)
India 2nd Innings: 58/4 in 17.4 overs (KL Rahul 33*)
Match Situation: India need 135 runs with 6 wickets in hand; match evenly poised.
