Ravindra Jadeja showed nerves of steel with a gritty unbeaten 56, keeping India’s hopes alive as the visitors reached 163 for nine at tea on Day 5 of the third and final Test against England at Lord’s on Monday. With just 30 more runs needed for victory, the Test remained finely poised heading into the final session.

Jadeja stood tall amid the chaos, guiding India through a tense second session in which only one wicket fell, after a turbulent morning that heavily favoured the hosts. At the tea break, Mohammed Siraj was at the crease alongside Jadeja, unbeaten on 2, attempting to aid India’s fight to the finish.

India had resumed the day on 58 for four, still requiring 135 runs to seal the match on a deteriorating pitch offering variable bounce. However, the first session proved disastrous for the visitors, who lost four crucial wickets and slipped to 112 for eight by lunch, handing England the upper hand.