India’s batting unit crumbled under relentless pressure from England’s pace attack, spearheaded by a resurgent Jofra Archer, on a spicy Day 5 pitch at Lord’s, sliding to the edge of defeat in the third Test on Monday. Archer, returning to red-ball cricket after more than four years, made an emphatic statement with his pace and accuracy, leading England’s charge on a surface that kept the batters guessing with its unpredictable bounce.

Chasing 193 for victory, India resumed at 58 for four, needing 135 more runs on a pitch that had deteriorated significantly. The onus was on experienced batters Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul to anchor the innings and guide India to what would have been only their fourth win at Lord’s since 1932. However, the morning session proved to be a nightmare, as India collapsed under pressure.

Pant (9 off 12) and Rahul (39 off 58), India’s two best hopes, were dismissed within the span of 18 deliveries. The loss of Washington Sundar (0 off 4) further compounded India’s woes. The team quickly found itself gasping at 95 for seven, still 98 runs away from the target, as England sensed victory.