The England cricket team led by Ben Stokes has taken a lead of 2-1 in the ongoing 5-match test series against India by winning the third test match which was played at Lord’s. Former England spinner Monty Panesar has called on India to re-evaluate their strategy against fast bowling after their narrow 22-run defeat in the third Test at Lord’s. The thrilling match concluded on Monday, giving England a 2-1 lead in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
The final day was packed with drama as India, chasing 193, were bowled out for 170. Shoaib Bashir, battling with a broken finger, sealed the match in dramatic fashion by dismissing Mohammed Siraj in an awkward manner. Siraj, devastated, was left hunched over his bat in a scene harshly reminiscent of James Neesham’s heartbreak during the 2019 World Cup final at the same venue.
Monty Panesar, reacting to the tense finish, told IANS that India’s approach to pace bowling needs to be more defined. He noted that the pitch showed signs of uneven bounce, which caused Indian batters to hesitate. According to him, that indecision was a crucial factor in the loss, especially as the innings progressed under mounting pressure.
Ravindra Jadeja’s fighting knock of 61 not out offered a glimmer of hope deep into the final session. His fifty, which was his first in the fourth innings, came off 150 balls and showcased his composure while batting with the tail. However, the effort wasn’t enough to carry India across the line.
Monty Panesar also singled out Karun Nair’s dismissal as a turning point. He explained that Nair appeared uncertain, initially committing to play a full delivery, then pulling out and that gave England a key breakthrough. With the next match to be played at Old Trafford, where the pitch is expected to offer more pace and bounce, Panesar emphasised the need for India to go in with a clear game plan against fast bowlers.
He also highlighted a shift in momentum during Day 4, suggesting it began when India lost four quick wickets. He pointed to an earlier moment in the match involving a time-wasting controversy that, in his view, energized England and shifted focus away from India’s strengths. According to Panesar, engaging in unnecessary mind games or distractions only hurts India’s chances, drawing them out of their tactical “bubble”.
Earlier in the match, Joe Root’s brilliant 104 anchored England’s first-innings total of 387. Jasprit Bumrah responded with a superb 5-wicket haul, returning figures of 5 for 74. India matched England’s score with key contributions from KL Rahul who scored a composed century, Rishabh Pant with 74 and Ravindra Jadeja who added 72 runs.
In England’s second innings, Washington Sundar’s incisive spell of 4 for 22 helped bundle them out for just 192, setting India a chasable target of 193. However, India’s top-order faltered, slumping to 58 for 4 by stumps on Day 4. Though there was late resistance from Bumrah who blocked 54 deliveries valiantly, Ben Stokes broke through with a fiery spell to wrap things up.
Panesar’s remarks underline the growing concern about India’s vulnerability against quality pace, especially in challenging overseas conditions. As the series moves to Manchester, all eyes will be on how India adapts and responds to Panesar’s timely criticism.
