Kl Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja headline India’s response, Ben Stokes under injury cloud

India and England are once again set for a second innings shoot out with the game evenly poised at Lord’s. India were bowled out for 387, identical to England’s first innings score in the IND vs ENG 3rd Test. Kl Rahul scored a fighting century, while Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with vital half-centuries.

England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett batted for an over before Stumps on Day 3. India resumed at 145/3, with Pant and Rahul stitching a 141-run stand. Both fell either side of lunch to allow England to claw back. However, Ravindra Jadeja’s fine half-century helped India level the scores. With two days to go in the Test, both Shubman Gill and Ben Stokes will have their thinking caps on. Here are all the IND vs ENG Highlights from Day 3:

KL Rahul delivers at Lord’s again

KL Rahul scored a fighting century at Lord’s in his last appearance at the venue back in 2022. Now, three years later, he once again set the tone for India in the first innings. The 32-year-old toiled and waited patiently for his opportunities to break free. He first stitched a vital partnership with Karun Nair. He then added 141 with Rishabh Pant, taking the game away from England. Rahul eventually reached his century on Day 3, his second in the series and at the venue. It is his 10th overall, and 9th away from home. He was dismissed the very next ball, but had done his job well.

‘Injured’ Rishabh Pant delivers again

Rishabh Pant walked into bat late on Day 2 with India precariously placed at 107/3. Pant had not taken the field after an injury but batted alongside Rahul to stitch a vital partnership. Even on Day 3, Pant was at his very best, defending well and throwing bowlers off their lengths. He was tended to after taking a few blows to his injured hand. Nevertheless, he did reach another half-century and raced to 74 before an ill fated run out in the final over before lunch. India would be monitoring Pant’s condition and would hope he can continue to deliver the goods.

No more bowling for Ben Stokes?

It is fair to say Ben Stokes has been England’s best pacer this series. The England captain has bowled his heart out and sent out yet another captivating spell in the Lord’s heat. This comes after he struggled with a groin complaint on Day 1 of the IND vs ENG 3rd Test. He bowled a 7-over spell which included the prized scalp of a well set Nitish Reddy. However, Stokes looked tired and coach Brendon McCullum gestured him to take a break from bowling. England would hope their skipper is fit enough to lead them to victory, with the series square at 1-1.