England edged past India by 22 runs in the blockbuster third Test at the iconic Lord’s to take a 2-1 lead in the series. However, after England picked the final wicket, it was skipper Ben Stokes’ gesture that grabbed attention. The all-rounder was seen walking up to console Mohammed Siraj, who was devastated after being dismissed as the last man standing.
The fifth day began with the match in balance. However, the home team removed three wickets before lunch. But Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten 61 kept the visitors in the game. With support from Jasprit Bumrah and then Mohammed Siraj, he dragged the contest into the final session, giving Indian fans hope of a win. However, Siraj faced 30 balls and brilliantly supported Jadeja.
The two added 23 valuable runs for the last wicket before the pacer lost his wicket. Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, playing with a broken finger, delivered the final blow as he tossed the ball up, and Siraj defended it, but the ball spun off the middle of the bat, rolled down, and dislodged the leg stump.
While Bashir sprinted away in celebration, Siraj was visibly in tears. Harry Brook was the first to reach Siraj, followed by Joe Root, who gave him a pat on the back. Then Stokes was seen tapping Siraj’s chest in consolation.
Watch the video below:
It was extraordinary finish: Ben Stokes
Meanwhile, England had set India a target of 193. Stokes’ all-round effort with 77 runs and six wickets in the match earned him his fourth Player of the Match award at Lord’s, more than any player in history at the venue. During his post-match interview, he opened up about the team’s performance and taking the lead in the five-match series.
“It was (extraordinary finish). It was actually part of the reason I went with Jof and myself this morning, one of those feelings, what is it 6 years now to the day (2019 WC win).. Jof played a major role in that, just had one of those feelings he would do something special and he cracked the game open with 2 wickets. It wasn’t an easy call, there was a bit of discussion in the dressing room. Brydon (Carse) had an amazing spell last night, he was charging in and had great rhythm but it was a gut feeling, Jof’s first match back in the Test team and sometimes your gut works. It is awesome to have him back. When he turns it on and the speeds come up on the screen, the feeling in the game changes. What an amazing job to get through the overs, first time out, tough week but he got some crucial wickets. I thought I had taken myself to some pretty dark places before.. but today bowling to win a Test match for your country.. If that doesn’t get you going then I don’t know what does. Bashir, broken hand, going out there and taking responsibility with the bat, then coming out and picking up the last wicket, absolute warrior to do that for the team.
What today was and what was on the line, yesterday was a bit different as there was more cricket to be played, I pulled myself out there, to be honest I was cooked yesterday as well, but the game was on the line and nothing was stopping me. I am an allrounder, I get four opportunities to influence the game, one of the great things of being an all rounder is if one thing doesn’t quite click then you have the other. I had bowled an important spell, I was pretty pumped up, very important position at extra cover, it was one of those things, I saw Rishabh stutter in my peripheral, natural instincts took over and it is a great feeling when you let go of the ball and know that is going towards the stumps. 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. It was always going to be the case, two very good teams going at it, we went toe to toe in this game, not going to lie but cannot wait to get on the bed for four days and then be ready to go to Manchester,” he said.
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