IND vs ENG: Jofra Archer Reflects on Sourav Ganguly’s Highlights
England captain Ben Stokes added a mix of humor and history following a nail-biting 22-run victory over India in the third Test at Lord’s. Stokes shared that Jofra Archer watched highlights of the legendary Sourav Ganguly waving his shirt on the Lord’s balcony, mistakenly believing it was from the World Cup final. Stokes corrected him, referring to England’s own 2019 ODI World Cup win. In a tense chase of 193 runs, India fell short, bowled out for 170, with Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten 61 being a standout effort.
Both teams faced intense pressure throughout the match. India began the final day at 58 for 4 and needed a significant performance to chase down the target. However, quick wickets early in the day severely hindered their chances. KL Rahul fought valiantly with a score of 39, but his dismissal proved crucial. Rishabh Pant, struggling with a finger injury, was dismissed by a pivotal delivery from Archer, which shifted the momentum firmly toward England.
### Stokes’ Tactical Decisions Pay Off
Stokes expressed a strong belief in opening the bowling with Archer, a decision that proved decisive. He remarked, “Had that gut feeling. That’s why I opened the bowling with Jofra Archer; he swung the game for us.” Both Stokes and Archer ended the match with five wickets each, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure on a challenging pitch. The final wicket was taken by Shoaib Bashir, who received a warm ovation from the Lord’s crowd as the match concluded.
### India’s Struggle and Jadeja’s Resilience
Despite the loss, Ravindra Jadeja’s contribution was noteworthy as he recorded his fourth consecutive Test fifty. He provided late resistance alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, but ultimately it was not enough to overcome the target. Stokes praised Joe Root, stating, “Joe Root is the best batter in the world in all conditions.” The England captain indicated that a target of 190 was always going to be tough for India.
### Looking Ahead to the Fourth Test
With this victory, England has taken a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. The focus now shifts to the fourth Test, set to begin on July 23 in Manchester. India will aim to bounce back and keep the series competitive. Meanwhile, there are concerns regarding Shoaib Bashir, who may miss the next match due to a finger injury. The upcoming game presents a crucial opportunity for India to regain momentum and challenge England’s lead.
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