NEW DELHI: India suffered a setback at the stroke of lunch on Day 3 of the third Test at Lord’s on Saturday, losing Rishabh Pant to a run-out after a 141-run stand with KL Rahul. England spinner Shoaib Bashir bowled the final over before the break, tossing one up around off-stump. Pant pushed it to the off-side and was called through by KL Rahul, but reacted late.
Ben Stokes, stationed at cover, pounced on the opportunity—he swooped in, picked up the ball, and in one swift motion, threw down the stumps at the bowler’s end to catch Pant short.The England skipper was visibly pumped, having broken a crucial partnership just before the interval. The dismissal appeared to be KL Rahul’s error in judgment—he was keen to get on strike, while Pant was slow to respond.India went to lunch at 248 for four, with KL Rahul unbeaten on 98 and Pant dismissed for a well-made 74.
Resuming the day at 145 for three, the overnight pair of Rahul and Pant batted with fluency and intent, gradually eroding England’s 242-run lead. The duo kept the scoreboard ticking and reduced the deficit to 139 runs.Rahul was elegant throughout, peppering the off-side with crisp drives and flicks. His standout stroke was a backfoot punch square of the wicket off Brydon Carse. Pant, meanwhile, brought up his half-century in style, hooking Stokes for a six over deep fine leg.The five-match series remains level at 1-1.
