IND vs ENG 3rd Test: Siraj Eyes 200 Wickets, Rahul Nears 9000 Runs, Jadeja Targets 7000 as India Gears Up for Lord’s Test

As India prepares for the third Test against England at Lord’s, the match is set to be more than just a crucial series decider. It could mark major personal milestones for three of India’s key players — Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja — each within touching distance of landmark achievements in their international careers.

Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj is just six wickets away from reaching the 200-wicket mark across formats. With 194 wickets from 98 international matches, Siraj has grown into one of India’s most reliable bowlers in recent years. He has taken 109 wickets in 38 Test matches, with a career-best of 6/15 against South Africa. In ODIs, he has picked up 71 wickets from 44 matches, including a match-winning 6/21 spell against Sri Lanka. Although his T20I appearances have been limited, he has still managed 14 wickets. Siraj made his international debut in a T20I against New Zealand at Rajkot in 2017. His recent contribution of 6/70 in the second Test at Edgbaston helped India secure a commanding 336-run win, leveling the series at 1-1 and once again highlighting his impact with the red ball.

India’s seasoned batter KL Rahul is also nearing a landmark, needing just 199 more runs to cross the 9000-run mark in international cricket. So far, Rahul has played 217 matches and scored 8801 runs. In 60 Tests, he has made 3493 runs with nine centuries, including a career-best 199 against England. In ODIs, Rahul has accumulated 3043 runs in 85 matches with seven centuries, his highest being 112 against New Zealand. In T20Is, he has scored 2265 runs in 72 appearances, with a top score of 110 not out against West Indies. Rahul made his international debut in 2014 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground against Australia and has since adapted to various roles, most successfully as an opener. His recent knock of 137 at Headingley in the first Test of the current series and 55 in the second Test reflect his consistent form. With Lord’s being one of cricket’s most iconic venues, Rahul will be eager to reach the milestone on this prestigious stage. He has previously scored 152 runs at Lord’s in two Tests, including a century.

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All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is also on the verge of a major milestone, needing just 115 runs to complete 7000 international runs. In 360 matches, Jadeja has scored 6885 runs at an average of 32.94, including four centuries and 37 fifties. His highest score of 175 not out came in Tests, where he has been particularly effective. In 82 Test matches, Jadeja has made 3564 runs at an average of 36.00, along with four centuries and 24 fifties. His success in England has been noteworthy, with 1225 runs in 22 Tests at an average of 37.12, including two centuries and eight fifties. Jadeja’s performances in the ongoing series further underline his form, having scored 194 runs in two matches at an average of 97.00, including two vital half-centuries of 89 and an unbeaten 69 at Edgbaston.

In the second Test at Edgbaston, England chose to bowl first. KL Rahul was dismissed early for just 2, but Yashasvi Jaiswal (87) and Karun Nair (31) steadied the innings with an 80-run partnership. Shubman Gill led the charge with a brilliant 269, forming crucial stands with Ravindra Jadeja (89) and Washington Sundar (42), pushing India’s total to 587. Shoaib Bashir was England’s most successful bowler, finishing with figures of 3/167, while Chris Woakes and Josh Tongue picked up two wickets each.

England’s first innings faltered early at 84/5 before Harry Brook (158) and Jamie Smith (184 not out) stitched a mammoth 303-run partnership. Siraj and Akash Deep then triggered a collapse, taking the last five wickets for just 20 runs. Siraj ended with 6/70, while Akash Deep claimed 4/88, restricting England to 407 and giving India a lead of 180 runs.

India’s second innings saw Jaiswal and Rahul add a brisk half-century stand. Rahul contributed a fluent 55, while Pant (65) and Gill (161) accelerated the scoring. Jadeja remained unbeaten on 69 as India declared at 427/6, setting England an imposing target of 608 runs.

England’s chase never took off, with early wickets reducing them to 50/3. Jamie Smith fought alone with a valiant 88, but Akash Deep’s 6/99 sealed the match, earning him a ten-wicket haul and wrapping up England’s innings for 271. India won the match by 336 runs.

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As the third Test at Lord’s approaches, the spotlight will not only be on team strategies but also on whether Siraj can reach 200 wickets, Rahul can cross 9000 runs, and Jadeja can touch the 7000-run milestone—adding more significance to an already crucial encounter.