There are few sights in cricket more iconic than the Long Room at Lord’s, and fewer still more meaningful than the applause it reserved on Monday afternoon. As India’s brave resistance came to an end in a nail-biting 22-run loss to England on Day 5 of the third Test, both teams walked off to a standing ovation from members and fans alike.
It was a moment that perfectly captured the spirit of Test cricket.Watch:Chasing 193, India were bowled out for 170, but not before putting up a fierce fight led by Ravindra Jadeja. The all-rounder was left stranded on 61*, having nearly pulled off the improbable. With the last recognised batter in KL Rahul dismissed at 81/6, Jadeja held firm with the tail, dragging India within touching distance of victory.Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj showed admirable grit alongside Jadeja, but England bowlers closed out the game with precision and pace.KL Rahul contributed a hard-fought 39, while Rishabh Pant, despite nursing a finger injury, added nine runs before falling to Archer.It was a low-scoring Test defined by pressure, precision, and relentless pace bowling. Both teams posted identical first innings totals of 387. England’s modest second innings score of 192, however, proved decisive on a deteriorating surface.Archer, back in the Test arena after years of injury setbacks, finished with five wickets in the match, sharing the spotlight with skipper Ben Stokes.With the win, England now lead the five-match series 2-1. But beyond the scoreline, it was a match that reminded fans why they fell in love with Test cricket — and why, at the Home of Cricket, every step through the Long Room matters.
