Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes two moments turned the third Test at Lord’s in England’s favor—Rishabh Pant’s run-out in the first innings and Karun Nair’s leg-before dismissal in the second. England defeated India by 22 runs and now lead the five-match series 2-1.
Speaking on The ICC Review, Shastri said Pant’s run-out for 74, right before lunch on Day 3, was a turning point. He credited Ben Stokes for his quick thinking to hit the stumps and shift the momentum. “It was an outstanding presence of mind by Stokes. India would have had a lead and been in control,” Shastri remarked.
In the second innings, Karun Nair’s decision to leave a straight ball from Brydon Carse, which hit his pads and got him out LBW, shocked Shastri. India were 41 for 1 before the dismissal and soon crumbled to 82 for 7. “It was a huge lapse in concentration. That nothing delivery opened the door for England,” he said.
Shastri added that India’s top order should have shown more discipline and mental toughness. He pointed out how lower-order batters like Siraj, Bumrah, and Jadeja resisted when the ball got older, showing that the surface was playable with the right mindset.
Shastri Praises England’s Fight, Says India Can Still Bounce Back
Despite his disappointment, Shastri praised England’s captain Ben Stokes for his leadership and commitment. Stokes bowled 24 overs—more than any other bowler in the match—and took three wickets, including that of KL Rahul. “He had saved energy for Lord’s and showed what a leader does in big moments,” Shastri said.
Reflecting on the match, Shastri compared it to India’s 2021 win at Lord’s, saying the game followed a similar pattern but this time the result went England’s way. He also mentioned that with a bit more luck, India could have been leading the series 3-0. “Fifteen days into the series, it’s been incredible. But India still has what it takes to bounce back,” he said.
The fourth Test between India and England will begin in Manchester on July 23. With the series still open, both teams are expected to bring intensity and strategy into what could be a thrilling finish.
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