Table of Contents
India entered Day 3 of the third Test at Lord’s with momentum on their side and consolidated their position with a dominant first session. KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant batted with great discipline, putting together a century-plus stand. They neutralized England’s attacking plans with intelligent strike rotation and solid technique. But just before lunch, a moment of miscommunication cost India dearly. Pant’s run-out soured what was otherwise a near-flawless morning for the visitors.
Rishabh Pant’s run-out with KL Rahul mars India’s dominant session on Day 3 at Lord’s
In the 66th over, with Rahul on 98 and Pant on 74, a well-set Indian partnership was abruptly broken. Pant attempted a quick single after nudging the ball to Ben Stokes at short cover, seemingly to get Rahul on strike before the break. There was brief hesitation between the batters, and though Rahul committed fully, Pant underestimated Stokes’ athleticism. The England skipper collected and released in one motion, firing a direct hit at the non-striker’s end.
Pant was caught well short of his crease, ending a 141-run stand built over 198 balls. Stokes roared in celebration, knowing the impact of that wicket. India lost a key batter just before lunch, a psychological blow despite the scoreboard strength. The run-out could have been avoided with clearer communication, especially considering the situation. Pant’s departure halted India’s momentum at a time when they were steadily tightening their grip. His dismissal now leaves a slightly exposed middle and lower order under pressure.
Also READ: Kane Williamson names the best all-format player of the past 15 years
India’s session still strong despite late setback against England
Despite Pant’s unfortunate dismissal, India walked off with plenty to be pleased about. They scored 103 runs in 22.3 overs at a brisk rate of 4.61, showcasing control and intent. England’s short-ball tactics, Jamie Smith standing up to Pant, and packed leg-side fields were all neutralised by clever counterplay. Pant’s innings was commendable, especially since he was nursing a finger injury throughout.
Rahul, rock-solid on 98*, shielded Pant during difficult spells and rotated strike effectively. With the deficit now reduced to just 139 runs, India’s aim will be to push for a first-innings lead. Still to come are all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, two of whom contributed well in the last Test at Headingley. Reddy’s form with the bat remains a concern, but the experience of Jadeja and Sundar will be crucial. The pitch at Lord’s is beginning to show variable bounce, which may aid India’s spinners later on.
Here’s how fans reacted:
I’ve never seen a more selfish cricketer than KL Rahul. Just to reach his hundred before lunch, he sacrificed Pant without a second thought. Stat-padding mattered more to him than the team.
— ADITYA 🇮🇹 (@140oldtrafford)
Both KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant looked so good the whole session but fcked up at the end. What was the need for that single ffs. Ruined all the momentum.
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan)
Rahul ke 100 ke chakkar me Pant ne apni lagwa li, lunch ke baad hi kar lete bc asi bhi kya jaldi thi
— 🦁 (@AndColorPockeT)
Omg
Rishabh Pant Run out…KL , Stupid stupid stupid
KL Rahul pressurized Rishabh Pant for that run.. KL Rahul is the culprit and Rishabh Pant run out..
Selfish players like Rahul are burden over team..
— Satya Prakash (@_SatyaPrakash08)
What a way to get out after batting so so well. Rishabh pant’s this innings deserved 💯 n more.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan)
Such a shame it ended in a run out but really important partnership in the context of the game. Great display of grit and determination while battling the pain from 👏🏻
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14)
If Rishabh wasn't sure of that run, then why did he run in the first place? Not to forget, he even stopped in between. Could've just played out this last over of Bashir before lunch yaar. We could've been in such a strong position right now. 💔
— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha)
THAT IS MADNESS. A run out while giving Rahul the strike on 98. NO NO NO
— Sarah Waris (@swaris16)
Flat deck, sun's out, prime batting conditions, your partner is the most patient man when it comes to run scoring. Absolutely the worst way to get run out here, Pant ffs.
— Manya (@CSKian716)
I don't have an issue when Pant gets out playing his brand of cricket and caught on boundary against run of play but this run out was just STUPID STUPID STUPID
— Annurag P Rekhi (@Dravidict)
Rishabh Pant in some ways a victim of the overrate there. He doesn't risk that single unless KL Rahul is in danger of going to lunch short of his century, and KL Rahul isn't in danger of going to lunch short of his century unless England only bowl 11 overs an hour in the session
— Ben Gardner (@Ben_Wisden)
KL Rahul is a pure milestone obsessed guy really, he literally pressurized pant to give him the Strike for his hundred
Shitty guy , I hope he fails we don't need these kind of guy's in our team f off
— MK (@mkr4411)
Also READ: ENG vs IND: Can Joe Root overtake Sachin Tendulkar in Tests? Dinesh Karthik shares his perspective
