Jadeja & Reddy Steady India After Rahul's Heroic Century at Lord's
By M Muzamil Shami - July 12, 2025
Jadeja & Reddy Lead India’s Fightback After Rahul’s Gritty Lord’s Hundred
Key Points:
KL Rahul scores a magnificent century, second of the series
Rishabh Pant run-out just before lunch in dramatic fashion
Archer’s fiery spell unsettles Indian batters briefly
Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Reddy stitch crucial unbeaten partnership
India trails by 71 runs with five wickets in hand at Tea on Day 3
London, July 12, 2025 —
Cricket lovers at Lord’s Cricket Ground witnessed an enthralling day of Test cricket as India clawed their way back into contention, thanks to a dogged unbeaten stand between Ravindra Jadeja and Nitish Kumar Reddy, after the loss of KL Rahul’s well-earned century and a shocking run-out of Rishabh Pant.
After starting the day in a commanding position at 248 for 3, India found themselves rattled with the sudden dismissal of two key batters — Pant and Rahul — in just 11 balls, exposing the middle order to a fiery Jofra Archer and a seething English side.
KL Rahul: The Backbone of India's Resistance
KL Rahul’s 100, achieved through elegance, patience, and refined strokeplay, stood tall amidst a turbulent session. His innings not only marked India’s eighth century of the series — a new record for an away tour — but also reaffirmed his personal transformation.
Once obsessed with stats and plagued by self-doubt, Rahul seemed liberated, his focus now squarely on batting with joy and intent. He showed maturity against pace and finesse against spin until he was undone by a peach from Shoaib Bashir — an off-break that drifted and kissed the edge. It was a bitter end to a near-flawless knock.
Pant’s Run-Out Sparks Drama Before Lunch
Rishabh Pant, battling a painful left-hand injury, showcased his trademark flamboyance with reverse scoops, fall-away flicks, and bold sixes. His resilience kept England on edge. But just before lunch, tragedy struck.
Pant, in an attempt to help Rahul get to his hundred, went for a risky single to cover. Alert to the situation, Ben Stokes pounced, delivering a sharp throw that found Pant well short. The mood shifted immediately — England’s celebration wasn’t just joyous, it was fiercely emotional, a clear indication they’d had enough of playing second fiddle.
England Senses Opening – But Jadeja and Reddy Shut the Door
From 248/3 to 254/5, England smelt blood. The crowd roared with every Archer delivery, especially during a rapid four-over burst with the new ball looming. Archer bowled at 90mph+, extracting bounce and discomfort, hitting Reddy on the helmet and beating the edge several times.
Despite that, the new pair — Ravindra Jadeja and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy — refused to flinch. Jadeja’s calmness under pressure and Reddy’s gritty survival instincts turned the tide. A mix-up nearly saw Reddy run out for 0, but the young man composed himself and began settling in. Their unbeaten 50-run stand proved vital in keeping India alive in the contest.
England’s Missed Opportunities
While England fought tooth and nail, they also let chances slip. Archer’s second spell lacked precision, and with Bashir off the field nursing a finger injury, England’s spin options thinned. Stokes gambled multiple times with his bowling changes, but India slowly regained control.
With India at 316/5, trailing by just 71, and Jadeja unbeaten on 40 and Reddy on 25, Day 4 promises to be a thriller.
FAQs
1. Why was Rishabh Pant run out?
Pant was run out while attempting a quick single to help Rahul reach his century. A sharp throw from Ben Stokes caught him short.
2. Who took the wicket of KL Rahul?
Shoaib Bashir dismissed KL Rahul with a drifting off-break that caught the outside edge.
3. What is India’s current position in the Test match?
India is at 316/5, trailing England by 71 runs at Tea on Day 3.
4. Is Shoaib Bashir injured?
Yes, Bashir suffered a finger injury after Jadeja hit a ball back at him and was off the field during the second session.
Do you think India can take the lead on Day 4? What do you make of Pant’s sacrifice and Rahul’s form?
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