London: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has identified the dismissals of Rishabh Pant in the first innings and Karun Nair in the second as the pivotal moments that swung the third Test at Lord’s in England’s favour.
England edged out India by 22 runs to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series, defending a modest target of 193 and bowling the visitors out for 170.
Speaking on The ICC Review, Shastri pointed to Pant’s run out just before lunch on Day 3 as the initial turning point.
“For me, the turning point was Pant’s dismissal. Ben Stokes showed outstanding presence of mind to hit the stumps at the right end and pull off the run out just before lunch. India were in control and could have taken the lead,” Shastri explained.
In the second innings, after India reached 41/1 on Day 4, Karun Nair left a straight delivery from Brydon Carse and was trapped leg-before, triggering a collapse from 42/2 to 82/7.
“That was a huge lapse in concentration from Karun,” Shastri said. “To leave a straight, innocuous delivery at that stage opened the door for England. The timing of that dismissal was crucial.”
He also criticised the Indian top-order for lacking resilience in the second innings.
“You saw how Siraj, Bumrah, and Jadeja batted once the ball was older—solid in defence. From needing 82 runs at lunch, India looked set. But collapsing from there to lose was a massive turnaround,” Shastri said. “If the top order had shown more mental toughness late on Day 4, this could have been India’s match.”
Shastri, however, remains optimistic about India’s chances in the series and lamented missed opportunities.
“This Lord’s Test reminded me of the 2021 match—similar scores and a second-innings collapse. Back then, India won. This time, it was England,” he said. “With a bit more luck, India could’ve been 3-0 up. But the series is still alive—two Tests to go and anything can happen.”
The fourth Test begins on July 23 in Manchester.
Despite India’s loss, Shastri praised England’s grit and Stokes’ leadership.
“You have to credit England. They seized key moments. When they saw the door ajar, they smashed it open. That surface didn’t offer much, and if India had two wickets more in hand the previous evening, they would’ve chased it down.”
India ended Day 4 on 58/4 while chasing 193, already in deep trouble.
On Stokes’ performance, Shastri added: “Stokes bowled with intent. I sensed something brewing at Edgbaston—he was saving himself for Lord’s. He delivered with long spells, including 10 overs straight towards the end, and took crucial wickets like Rahul.”
Stokes bowled a match-high 24 overs and picked up three wickets, playing a key role in sealing England’s win.
