India captain Shubman Gill expressed immense pride in his team’s never-say-die attitude after a thrilling Lord’s Test. Despite falling short by just 22 runs, Gill hailed the lower order’s resilience that pushed the match into the final session, showcasing India’s depth and fighting spirit in the gripping England vs India clash.
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Gill Applauds India’s Lower-Order Heroics
In one of the most pulsating finishes Test cricket has seen in recent years, India captain Shubman Gill expressed immense pride in his team’s spirited fightback during the final day of the third Test at Lord’s, where India came agonizingly close to pulling off a remarkable victory.
After being reduced to 82 for 7 just before lunch, India’s lower-order batters mounted a gutsy resistance, dragging the contest deep into the final session. Though England eventually sealed the win by 22 runs, taking a 2-1 lead in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Gill remained upbeat about the resilience his team displayed.
“I’m extremely proud, this is as close as a Test match can get,” Gill said at the post-match presentation. “Five days of hard-fought cricket, comes down to the last session, last wicket. I’m extremely proud.”
Jadeja’s Lone Stand: A Tale of Grit and Grace
While England celebrated their narrow win, Ravindra Jadeja emerged as the silent hero of the day. The all-rounder remained unbeaten on 61 off 181 balls, anchoring India’s lower-order resistance with poise and discipline. He built crucial partnerships — 30 with Nitish Kumar Reddy, 35 with Jasprit Bumrah, and 23 with Mohammed Siraj — that kept India in the hunt till the very end.
“He’s very experienced,” Gill said of Jadeja’s approach. “We didn’t want to give him any message. He was batting brilliantly with the tail. Wanted him and the tail to bat as long as possible.”
Jadeja’s stoic defence and calm leadership from the non-striker’s end reflected his maturity and understanding of the game situation. Despite falling short, it was his resilience that made England work hard for every wicket.
Turning Points That Defined the Match
Gill candidly acknowledged that India’s downfall had been their dramatic collapse late on Day 4. From a promising 42 for 1, they slipped to 58 for 4 in the space of 30 minutes — a passage of play that tilted the game in England’s favour. “The last one hour that we played [on day four], I think we could have applied ourselves a bit better, especially the last two wickets that fell,” Gill reflected.
“Even this morning, the way they came up with a plan, we were hoping for one 50-run partnership. If we got it from the top order, it would’ve been easy for us.”
Gill reiterated that despite early setbacks on the final morning, hope never faded from the Indian camp. “There was always hope, as long as there’s batting,” he said. “[Needed] one 50-run partnership. The target wasn’t massive, one 50-60-run partnership and we were right back into the game.”
Pant’s Run-Out: The Sliding Doors Moment
Another key moment Gill highlighted was Rishabh Pant’s first-innings run-out. After forging a century stand with KL Rahul, Pant was run out for 74 while trying to help Rahul reach his hundred before lunch — a moment that proved costly in hindsight. “Definitely,” Gill admitted when asked if that run out was pivotal.
“At one point, I thought if we get a lead of 80-100, it might be crucial. We knew on the fifth day on this wicket, it won’t be easy to chase 150-200. Thought if we can get a lead of 80-100, we would be in a good position.” India’s first-innings lead ended up being just 13 runs — a missed opportunity that loomed large as the Test reached its dramatic climax.
While the narrow defeat at Lord’s was a bitter pill to swallow, India’s fighting spirit, particularly from the lower order, drew praise across the cricketing world. With two Tests still left in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Gill’s side has shown they possess the resolve and depth to bounce back.
Their ability to recover from difficult situations, spearheaded by the likes of Jadeja and Bumrah with the bat, bodes well for the remainder of the series. As the skipper put it, the margin may have been slim, but the heart and effort on display were monumental.
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FAQs
What did Shubman Gill say after the Lord’s Test?
Gill said he was “extremely proud” of his team and felt the Test couldn’t have been any closer.
How did India almost win the Lord’s Test against England?
Despite being 82 for 7, India’s lower order put up a brave fight, taking the game into the final session, led by Ravindra Jadeja’s unbeaten 61.
Who played a crucial role in India’s fightback on Day 5?
Ravindra Jadeja played a key role, building partnerships with the tail and staying not out.
What turning point did Shubman Gill highlight?
Gill pointed to Rishabh Pant’s run-out in the first innings as a crucial moment that could have changed the match.
What is the current score in the England vs India Test series?
After the Lord’s Test, England lead the five-match series 2-1.
