India's Test skipper Shubman Gill, who has enjoyed an unblemished batting performance in the series so far against England, faced a rare disappointment on the fourth day of the third Test at Lord's.
Though he amassed an imposing 585 runs in the first two Tests — including sparkling innings of 269, 161, and 147 — Gill could not carry forward his form at the famous ground in London.
On a difficult pitch, India were in need of 193 runs for a win in the last innings. With 41/2 on the board in the last session of Day 4, Gill stepped out to bat under pressure — and into the crosshairs of England captain Ben Stokes.
Noted for his aggressive captaincy and blunt tongue, Stokes was quick to sledge the Indian captain. "600 runs and he's done for the series. 600 runs is sufficient for this chap," Stokes could be heard telling his teammates, taking a dig at Gill's run-scoring frequency.
It was not to last, however, as Gill's time at the crease lasted just a few minutes. He scored just six runs before being leg-before-wicket from Brydon Carse, completing a short and tense nine-ball innings that involved one heart-stopping moment before his eventual departure.
England vs India: Day 4 Highlights of the 3rd Test at Lord's
The day saw a dramatic change in momentum as India, having bowled out England for only 192 in their second innings, seemed to be on top. Off-spinner Washington Sundar was the wrecker-in-chief, taking 4 for 22, with major wickets including Joe Root and Ben Stokes himself.
With both sides totalling 387 in the first innings, the target of 193 was well within the reach of the visitors. India's top-order came under pressure towards the end of the day, totalling only 58/4 at stumps.
Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had been in good touch till then in the series, was run out without scoring after a mistimed hook off Jofra Archer found its way to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith's gloves. Karun Nair followed soon, getting lbw to Carse, while Gill became Carse's second wicket in the same way.
Adding to India's misery, Stokes struck late in the night, clean bowling nightwatchman Akash Deep to put the Lord's crowd into a tizzy.
Despite their misfortunes, India had a faint ray of hope going into Day 5, with KL Rahul remaining undefeated on 33. Coming off his ton in the first innings, Rahul stood steady, showing his trademark touch with a few stylish boundaries.
With 135 runs remaining and six wickets in hand, the fifth day promises a nail-biting finish to a Test which has swung this way and that.
England, encouraged by a spirited bowling effort and home crowd support, will look to square the series, while India will pray their lower and middle order manage to dig deep. They will seek to propel them 2–1 in this hard-fought five-match series.
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