Shubman Gill reflects on crucial moments that cost India Lord's Test: 'We could have applied ourselves better'

India suffered a heartbreaking defeat by 22 runs on Day 5 of the third Test against England at Lord’s. Having resumed the play reeling at 58/4, it was bound to be difficult for the visitors to get the remaining 135 runs, and the fall of three wickets in quick succession in the morning session elevated the difficulty by exponential measures. In the face of austerity, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja stood up for the side for the umpteenth time, but his resilience went in vain as India bundled out at 170. Jadeja remained unbeaten on 61, but ran out of partners. With the win, England have regained lead in the 5-match series.

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Captain Shubman Gill reflects India’s loss at Lord’s

It will be a hard-to-take loss for Team India and in hindsight, they will see it as a missed opportunity. There were notable junctures in the game where India could have taken the upper hand but failed to capitalise on the advantage each time. Among all, Rishabh Pant’s dismissal on Day 3 when he was batting at 74 may ring the loudest bell as if it weren’t for his run-out, India might have taken a lead after the first innings, which would have been crucial as the loss margin was only 22 runs.

Reflecting on the loss, India captain Shubman Gill admitted that England were the better side on Day 5. Gill said that he was confident about India’s win at the start of the day and was hopeful even after England had pulled things their way.

“Extremely proud, as close as Test cricket gets. Pretty confident this morning, plenty batting left this morning, we needed a couple of partnerships in the top order, we couldn’t do that, they played better than us. But there’s always hope. Target wasn’t massive, one partnership and back in the game. Jaddu very experienced, no messages, just wanted him and the tail to keep batting,” Gill said during the post-match presentation ceremony at the ‘Home of Cricket’ on Monday.

Paying heed to Pant’s run-out, Gill seemingly acknowledged that it was the turning point of the game. “A lead in first innings would have been crucial for us,” he added.

He concluded by stating that the team should have displayed better performance in the final hour of Day 4 and in the morning that followed. Lastly, he exclaimed that the 2-1 score does not justify how they have fared in this series.

“Things turned quickly, last hour we could have applied ourselves better, and this morning they came up with plans. The series score doesn’t reflect how we’ve played,” Gill added.