Akash Deep delivered a crucial breakthrough for India on Day 4 of the third Test at Lords by clean bowling Harry Brook, who had looked dangerous early on. Brook, adopting an aggressive approach against the moving ball, scored a brisk 23 off 19 deliveries, showcasing flair with two ramp shots and a towering six over mid-off. However, his momentum was halted when he misjudged a sweep shot, and Akash shattered his middle stump, leaving England struggling at 98 for four at Lunch.

On a deteriorating Lords surface, India’s pace attack maintained relentless pressure. Mohammed Siraj was particularly effective, combining pace and precision to rattle England’s top order. He dismissed Ben Duckett with a fuller delivery before removing Ollie Pope by targeting the stumps. Bowling a fiery seven-over spell from the Nursery End, Siraj gave away just 11 runs while claiming two wickets.

Jasprit Bumrah complemented Siraj with a testing spell, especially troubling Zak Crawley. A venomous delivery struck Crawley’s bat handle, stirring the crowd. Shubman Gill’s decision to bring in Nitish Reddy paid off immediately as the young all-rounder removed Crawley for the second time in the match. Reddy’s full delivery drew a drive that was caught sharply by Yashasvi Jaiswal at gully, tightening India’s grip before lunch.