England skipper Ben Stokes set the tone with a spirited performance on Day 3 of the third Test against India at Lord’s on Friday, July 12. He first delivered a sharp direct hit to run out Rishabh Pant, breaking a vital partnership, and later struck again by dismissing Nitish Kumar Reddy to dismantle another key stand.
The 34-year-old remained highly engaged throughout the session, even sledging Indian batters Ravindra Jadeja and Reddy during their stay at the crease. Stokes eventually got the better of Reddy, who scored a patient 30 off 91 balls, ending a 70-run sixth-wicket partnership. A video shared by Star Sports on X captured Stokes repeatedly saying:
“The panic is setting in, boys! Little panic aee lads”
You can watch the video here:
பேசியே Stokes இன்னொரு Wicket-ஐ எடுத்துருவாரு போல🗣💥
📺 தொடர்ந்து காணுங்கள் | England vs India | 3rd Test | Day 3 | நேரலை | JioHotstar-ல்#ENGvIND #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/6FCh4spj8a
— Star Sports Tamil (@StarSportsTamil) July 12, 2025
The tactic paid off for England as Ben Stokes eventually dismissed Nitish Kumar Reddy, who edged one to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith just a few overs later.
Ben Stokes gets the breakthrough! 💥
Nitish Kumar Reddy departs ➡️ pic.twitter.com/MK2r87W6RS
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 12, 2025
England Bounce Back Under Stokes’ Leadership On Day 3
Ben Stokes-led England mounted a strong fightback on Day 3 of the third Test, striking crucial blows after KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant’s gritty 141-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Stokes made a key impact, producing a brilliant direct hit to run out Pant, while Shoaib Bashir dismissed Rahul—caught behind after reaching his century.
Bashir, however, later suffered a painful blow to his finger while attempting a simple catch off Ravindra Jadeja. At the time of reporting, India were 340/6 after 102 overs, trailing by 47 runs in their first innings. Jadeja was unbeaten on 52 off 102 balls, with Washington Sundar at the other end on 5 off 21.
Stokes remained England’s most effective bowler so far, with two wickets to his name. Earlier on Day 2, England were bowled out for 387, thanks largely to Joe Root’s 37th Test hundred. Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse also contributed with valuable half-centuries.
Jasprit Bumrah led India’s bowling with a five-wicket haul, supported by Mohammed Siraj and Nitish Kumar Reddy, who took two wickets each. The five-match series is evenly poised at 1-1. England won the first Test at Headingley, while India bounced back with a 336-run victory at Edgbaston.
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