Ravi Shastri Critiques Key Dismissals in Lord’s Test Loss
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has pinpointed two critical moments that contributed to India’s 22-run defeat to England in the third Test at Lord’s. Shastri, speaking on The ICC Review, identified Rishabh Pant’s dismissal in the first innings and Karun Nair’s lapse in concentration in the second innings as the turning points in the match.
While India was in a strong position after a steady start, Pant’s run out at 74 just before lunch on Day 3 shifted momentum in England’s favor. Shastri praised England’s captain Ben Stokes for his quick thinking in executing the run-out. “Ben Stokes showed outstanding presence of mind to hit the right end just before lunch. India was in the driver’s seat, and this gave England a foothold,” Shastri said.
India’s pursuit of 193 in the second innings was initially steady, with Karun Nair and KL Rahul putting on a solid partnership. However, Nair’s dismissal for a duck, after leaving a straight ball from Brydon Carse, changed the course of the match. Shastri called it a “huge lapse of concentration,” which led to India’s collapse. “At 40/1, that was a huge mistake from Karun to leave that ball. It opened the door for England,” he added.
Shastri Talks About India’s Mental Strength and England’s Fight
Despite the loss, Shastri emphasized India’s potential to bounce back in the series. He noted that the team’s lower order, including Mohammad Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja, showed solid technique once the ball was older, making it clear that the top order needed to show more mental toughness. “If the top order had been a little tougher on Day 4, this game would have been India’s,” Shastri said.
Shastri also reflected on how the Lord’s Test reminded him of India’s win in 2021, where similar circumstances saw them fight back from a collapse to secure victory. “This series has been fascinating. India could have been 3-0 up with a little luck,” he said.
Praising England’s resilience, Shastri acknowledged Stokes’ impact with both bat and ball. “Stokes bowled marathon spells, showing the fuel he had left in the tank after Edgbaston. He played a huge part in England’s win at Lord’s,” Shastri remarked.
As the series now stands at 2-1 in favor of England, Shastri is optimistic about India’s chances in the remaining Tests, stating that the fourth Test at Manchester will be a thrilling contest. “Anything can happen in the next two Tests, and India can bounce back,” he added.
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