12 Jul, 2025 | 09:21 PM

KL Rahul stood tall and unbeaten on 98 as India powered through the morning session on Day 3 of the Lord’s Test, scoring 103 runs in 22.3 overs to reach 248 for 4 at lunch. However, the dominant session ended on a bitter note for the visitors as Rishabh Pant was run out in the final over before the break, attempting to give Rahul the strike to reach his century.

Trailing England’s first-innings total of 387 by 139 runs, India were in control for most of the session. Rahul’s composed innings was a stark contrast to the fiery spell from England captain Ben Stokes, who ultimately turned the tide — albeit briefly — with a moment of brilliance in the field.

Pant, who had played a typically audacious knock despite struggling with an injured finger, contributed 74 off an entertaining and courageous innings. He brought up his eighth half-century in England and smashed his 88th six in Test cricket — now just two shy of Virender Sehwag’s India record.

But the drama unfolded in the last over before lunch. Seeking to help Rahul reach his hundred, Pant attempted a risky single. Stokes, bowling with hostility and intent, fielded sharply and pulled off a direct hit at the non-striker's end. The England captain’s animated celebration underscored the significance of the wicket — not just because of Pant’s threat, but due to the momentum India had seized.

Stokes, during his five-over burst, bowled 26 deliveries that were either short or short of a length, hitting speeds of 90 mph as he pushed his team to claw back into the game. His reaction to Pant’s dismissal — covering his mouth with his cap mid-celebration — hinted at the raw emotion of the moment.

Rahul, meanwhile, continued to be the picture of poise. Since his Test comeback in 2021, he has now equalled Rishabh Pant for the most overseas Test centuries by an Indian batter in that time — four. It was, ironically, Pant’s desire to help him break that record that led to his downfall.

India remain in a strong position, but the loss of Pant has given England a sliver of hope as the match heads into a critical afternoon session.

Lunch Day 3: India 248/4 (Rahul 98, Pant 74) trail England 387 by 139 runs*
Bowling: Jofra Archer 1-35, Stokes 1 run-out