England legend Stuart Broad suggested that India failed to withstand the pressure and drama that comes with the Test format, as evidenced by their collapse in the morning session on the final day at Lord’s, where they lost four quick wickets.
In the first session of Day 5, Jofra Archer bowled Rishabh Pant to trigger the mini-collapse. First-innings centurion KL Rahul followed soon after, and Washington Sundar was also dismissed quickly. Nitish Kumar Reddy and Ravindra Jadeja then attempted to build a partnership, but on the last ball before lunch, Chris Woakes had Reddy caught by Jamie Smith.
However, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj showed resilience, supporting Jadeja in a fighting effort that took India very close, but ultimately not over the line. Jadeja battled like a lone warrior, as England clinched the match in the final session.
“It was wonderful. England were superb. Led by Stokes, led by Archer,” Broad told Sky Sports. “Passion, energy, getting stuck in – everything about the theatre of Test match cricket that we love. India couldn’t cope with it, really.”
Broad praised Archer’s performance, as he was making his return to Test whites after a long absence. Archer dismissed Yashasvi Jaiswal on Day 4, and then removed Pant and Sundar on the final day.
“He’s had a long time out of the game, but the emotions he’ll be getting from bowling spells like this – running in, crowd roaring, Test match on the line – are incredible. Test match cricket is about bringing theatre, and Jofra did all of that. It was a Test match led by a guy who has missed a lot of Test cricket,” reflected Broad.
With the win at Lord’s, England take a 2–1 lead in the five-match series.
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