By The unforgettable third Test at Lord’s has set the cricketing world abuzz yet again. England clinched a dramatic 22‑run victory over India, seizing a 2–1 lead in the five‑match series The Tribune+15The Guardian+15NewKerala.com+15The Times of India. At the heart of the controversy lies Ravindra Jadeja’s counterattack and the decisions that followed—a tempestuous tale, dissected by none other than former India captain Anil Kumble.
Jadeja’s Heroic Knock
On Day 5, India found themselves battling to chase 193, resuming at 112 for 8. Enter Jadeja—who stood resolute, unbeaten on 61 off 181 balls—almost single‑handedly dragging India back into contention The Guardian. His gritty display matched Sourav Ganguly’s smashes at Lord’s and rightfully earned praise across the board The Times of India. Critics were silenced, challenges answered, and a legend was born.
Kumble’s Praise: A Juggler of Skills
Anil Kumble wasted no time in commending Jadeja’s maturity and evolution. His knock, Kumble said, “demonstrated immense patience, consistency and maturity with the bat” India Tribune – Chicago -+12Telangana Today+12Hindustan Times+12Hindustan Times+15Asianet Newsable+15NewKerala.com+15. Scored at No. 6, Jadeja’s innings of 72 in the first dig and the pivotal unbeaten 61 thereafter were prime examples of a player growing into a key middle‑order role .
“He offers so much—not just with the ball, but also with the bat and in the field. Contributions like this are vital,” Kumble said, highlighting both Jadeja’s technique and his domestic feats, including two first-class triple centuries Telangana Today+2Asianet Newsable+2NewKerala.com+2. Indeed, at 36, Jadeja has become one of India’s most consistent Test performers, now sitting sixth in the series run‑scorers list with 266 runs NewKerala.com+15The Tribune+15NewKerala.com+15.
The Tactical Turn that Cost India
Yet, Kumble’s verdict wasn’t all roses. He pointed to a pivotal moment in the final session—when tailender Mohammed Siraj faced Shoaib Bashir at a decisive juncture. “If someone had to take the risk, it should’ve been Jadeja, not Siraj,” he argued India Tribune – Chicago -+1The Times of India+1. In his eyes, exposing Siraj to Bashir represented a strategic misstep with high stakes.
That single tactical call, Kumble believes, may have tilted the Test. Siraj’s dismissal—via a deflection off Bashir’s bowling—ended a memorable day and swung momentum England’s way The Guardian. Had Jadeja faced that final over, Kumble wonders if the drama’s ending might have rewritten itself.
A Titan, Still Learning
Kumble’s final appraisal was balanced. Jadeja is more than a spinner—he’s a full‑fledged all‑rounder and a middle‑order anchor. But Test cricket demands not just heroics but judgement under pressure. While Jadeja’s heroism is beyond question, Kumble asserts that the team requires sharp game‑awareness in those clutch moments.
Jadeja’s brutal accountability earlier in the series—when he confidently silenced England’s “shouldn’t be in the side” jibe from Harry Brook—further cemented his role The Times of India. But it also put the spotlight on his decision‑making when tables turn. Can a player promising such brilliance also steer the tactical ship when most needed?
Caveat: Yet, in the crucible of chaos, when one over defines the contest, Kumble emphasizes this: it’s not just about batting—it’s when to take the strike, especially at key junctures. In Kumble’s book, that millisecond of decision—from Jadeja instead of Siraj—could’ve written a different ending.
In essence, Jadeja remains a hero in Kumble’s eyes—but even heroes must marshal wisdom alongside fireworks.
The Bigger Picture
Kumble underscored the match’s high standard and nail‑biting drama. “True Test match drama—this is exactly what you expect when two high‑quality teams go head‑to‑head,” he mused myKhel+2Telangana Today+2NewKerala.com+2. He praised the Anderson‑Tendulkar Trophy for delivering exactly that—an edge‑of‑the‑seat battle characterized by fierce rivalry and skill Hindustan Times+1The Times of India+1.
In the fortnight that followed, England and India have continued to duel closely, anchored by such performances as Jadeja’s and reflective analysis from figures like Kumble who urge balance between aggression and prudence.
