BY: Tarunima Singh
NEW DELHI: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has identified two key moments that swung the gripping third Test at Lord’s in England’s favour — Rishabh Pant’s run-out in the first innings and Karun Nair’s lapse in the second. England edged India by 22 runs, taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match series after bundling out the visitors for 170 in a tense chase of 193.
Speaking on The ICC Review, Shastri said, “For me, the turning point was Pant’s dismissal in the first innings. Ben Stokes showed incredible presence of mind to run him out on 74 right before lunch on Day 3. India were in control, and that wicket handed England a way back.”
In the second innings, after India reached 41 for one, Karun Nair misjudged a straight delivery from Brydon Carse and was trapped leg-before, a moment Shastri believes opened the door for England’s comeback.
“At 40 for one, Karun’s decision to leave a straight ball was a massive lapse in concentration. That was the moment England seized, and India never quite recovered,” Shastri remarked.
He was also critical of India’s top order for not showing enough resilience. “When the lower order — Siraj, Bumrah, Jadeja — batted with discipline against an older ball, you wondered what could have been if the top order had shown the same fight. From needing 82 after lunch, losing by 22 shows how crucial mental toughness is,” Shastri said.
Drawing parallels with India’s famous 2021 Lord’s win under his coaching, Shastri said this Test had similar patterns of fluctuating fortunes but with a different outcome.
“This could easily have been 3-0 India with a bit of luck. But credit to England — they grabbed every opening and didn’t let go. When they sniffed an opportunity, they barged right in,” he said.
Praising England captain Ben Stokes, Shastri highlighted the all-rounder’s tireless spells on the final day. “I sensed something special was coming after Edgbaston. He saved his best for Lord’s — those long, relentless spells showed his hunger. His 24 overs, three wickets, and sheer willpower proved decisive.”
Looking ahead, Shastri said the series remains wide open with two Tests to go, hinting at a possible Indian fightback. “It’s been a riveting contest so far. If India bounce back in Manchester, the Oval finale will be a cracker.”
The fourth Test begins at Old Trafford on July 23.
