Jadeja's defiance in vain as England pull off dramatic win
It was a gruelling test of patience for England but India eventually fell short of their target by 23 runs
It was a gruelling test of patience for England but India eventually fell short of their target by 23 runs
Scorer: M Venkat Raghav | Commentator: Andrew Miller
5.26pm Well, Test cricket is the winner once more. It's all too easy to jump on the defensive at moments like this, and declare that "there's no better format etc etc". But sometimes, it's best just to let the scenes do the talking, and leave the inter-format oneupmanship to one side. Raw emotion, agonising drama. A run-rate of barely one an over for three hours and not one of the 24,281 attendance daring to leave their seat (at least, not until Jadeja realised he couldn't hold it in any longer and sprinted to the dressing-room for the necessary). It was wonderful and enthralling, and an instant classic to rank among any of the 2,593 that preceded it.
And what's more, it's only the third Test of five! It's off to Old Trafford next, with England 2-1 up with two to play, and India beaten but self-evidently unbowed after a brawl for the ages. I can't wait to see what comes next. Al Muthu has the report ready and waiting for you. But for now, from Miller, Ekanth, Venkat, and the rest of the team, thanks for joining us, see you next time!
Here's Jofra Archer, speaking to Sky. "Hectic one for first back. Bowled a few more overs than I thought I would. Only played one Test at Lord's and the last one was just as special as this one. It's been a long time coming, but moments like this make it worth it. You never know if you're ready until you're ready."
On his send-off to Pant: "It wasn't a proud moment. I just told him to charge that. Honestly, this morning, I was struggling a little bit, the ball just kept coming out full. One of the full ones, he just charged, and it pissed me off a bit. When the [wicket] ball nipped down the slope, honestly I was so grateful for that."
5.08pm Time for some presentations.
First up, Shubman Gill. "Extremely proud, as close as Test cricket gets. Pretty confident this morning, plenty batting left this morning, we needed a couple of partnerships in the top order, we couldn't do that, they played better than us. But there's always hope. Target wasn't massive, one partnership and back in the game. Jaddu very experienced, no messages, just wanted him and the tail to keep batting.
On Pant's run-out: "A lead in first innings would have been crucial for us.
Wickets in fourth innings: "Things turned quickly, last hour we could have applied ourselves better, and this morning they came up with plans. The series score doesn't reflect how we've played.
Does Bumrah play at Old Trafford: "You'll get to know soon."
The Player of the Match is Ben Stokes... 44, 33, five wickets and that Pant run-out...a decent haul!
Six years to the day since 2019: "Yeah, part of the reason I went with Jof this morning, six years ago now to the day. He played a major role and I had a feeling he'd do something special and crack the game open. A bit of discussion, Brydon had an amazing spell, but I had a gut feeling that Jof's going to do something in his first game back. Every time he's announced on the tannoy, the ground erupts and when the speeds go up on the screen, the feeling changes.
How deep did you dig: "I've taken myself to some pretty dark places, but if bowling your country to a Test match win doesn't get you excited, I don't know what does. Bashir, it was written in the stars to take that last wicket. An absolute warrior.
"With what was on the line... I was cooked yesterday, but the game was on the line, nothing was stopping me. I'm an allrounder, I get four opportunities to influence the game, and if one thing doesn't click... I'd like to score more runs, but you don't have a chance to worry about anything.
On the run-out: "In the middle of the spell, so I was pretty pumped up. Important position at extra cover, and in my peripheral I saw Rishabh stutter. One of the great feelings, when you let go of the ball and know it's going to hit the stumps.
"Always going to be the way, two very good teams going toe to toe. Not going to lie, looking forward to lying in my bed for four days."
4.52pm Incredible Test cricket! Genuine respect in the final scenes there, Siraj of course was right at the heart of the feisty scenes last night, but he's played his part in a wonderful, fighting display from his team. He was down on his haunches, Brett-Lee-at-Edgbaston style, punching his bat into the turf, but Zak Crawley was the first to reach him with a handshake. Brook, Stokes, Root, Duckett also there. Everyone knows emotion is critical in Test cricket. It would be a poorer game without the needle that made this match so captivating!
No-one gave them a prayer when they went to lunch eight-down, but with Ravindra Jadeja refusing to buckle in a simply magnificent 61 not out, they ground out a wicketless afternoon, then came within touching distance of sneaking over the line at the end.
Bashir got utterly bundled in the winning moment, I suspect that hand took a further battering, but will he care. I sincerely doubt it!
Parth: "MOM should be Jadeja, a gritty innings in first innings and of course the second. But it will be Stokes, won't it?" It might be, though Archer and Carse were critical with the ball at different moments. I rather agree. It wouldn't have been the match it was without Jaddu's heroics!
Mohammed Siraj b Shoaib Bashir 4 (64m 30b 0x4 0x6) SR: 13.33
Pradeep Iyer: "Jadeja has faced 58 balls more than first six batters together!! " That is quite a shift
Four men round the bat, including a silly point now
Siraj is having lengthy treatment here, but he's good to carry on. At the non-strikers' end, crucially
Two short legs, leg slip, two slips
England have slipped from second to third place on the WTC table
After the tight finish at Lord's, where do the two teams stand in the lead up to the last two Tests of what has been a riveting series?
England and India served up a treat at Lord's, leaving the series delicately poised. Alan Gardner was joined by Sid Monga and Vish Ehantharajah to discuss what went down
Fast bowler keen to play both remaining Tests against India before touring with Ashes party
It was a deeply physical Test that stretched these modern-day gladiators to their limits, till India experienced heartbreak in slow-motion and England celebrated a win that might not have been