Ray Sportz Web Desk: Team India suffered a heartbreaking 22-run defeat at the iconic Lord’s, falling behind 2-1 in the five-match Test series against England. Speaking at the post-match press conference, skipper Shubman Gill pointed to Rishabh Pant’s run-out in the first innings as the decisive moment of the match.
Chasing England’s first-innings total of 387, India were bowled out for exactly the same score. In the second innings, Ravindra Jadeja fought a lone battle, remaining unbeaten on 61, but lacked support from the other end.
“Our top order didn’t perform in this match,” Gill admitted. “If we had one or two big partnerships early on, the result could’ve been different. Pant’s dismissal came totally against the run of play and shifted the momentum.”
India will look to bounce back in the fourth Test at Old Trafford starting July 23.

Ray Sportz Web Desk: India’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has achieved a major milestone in his cricketing career, climbing to a career-best seventh place in the latest ICC Test Rankings for batters, released on Wednesday. The leap follows his sensational performance in the opening Test against England at Leeds, where he scored centuries in both innings.
Pant’s twin tons not only placed him in elite company — becoming only the second wicketkeeper in Test history to achieve this rare feat — but also reaffirmed his stature as one of the most dangerous middle-order batsmen in world cricket today. His aggressive stroke play and unflinching temperament have drawn praise from former players and pundits alike.
Despite India’s five-wicket loss in the match, there were several individual positives. Notably, newly appointed Test captain Shubman Gill also made significant gains, jumping five places to reach the 20th position in the rankings. Gill’s composed century in the first innings laid the foundation for a challenging target of 371, although the English batters eventually chased it down.
The five-match series is poised to be a thrilling contest, with both teams boasting in-form batters and formidable bowling attacks. All eyes will now be on Pant and Gill as India look to bounce back in the second Test.
Pant’s rise in the ICC rankings is a testament to his consistency and growing maturity as a Test cricketer. With more matches to come in the series, he will have ample opportunity to climb even higher.

Ray Sportz Web Desk: England kicked off the much-anticipated five-match Test series against India in emphatic fashion, registering a commanding five-wicket win on the final day of the first Test at Headingley. Chasing a steep fourth-innings target of 371, the hosts overhauled the total with remarkable ease, finishing at 373 for 5 in 82 overs, thanks to a masterful 149-run knock by opener Ben Duckett.
Resuming at 21 for no loss on the fifth day morning, England showed composure and clear intent. Duckett, continuing his aggressive yet calculated approach, dominated the Indian attack and stitched together pivotal partnerships that shaped the narrative of England’s successful chase.
India had pinned hopes on early breakthroughs, but the English top order remained resolute. The openers set the tone with a solid stand, and although India struck back in the second session with four wickets, the visitors failed to mount sustained pressure. Duckett’s innings — a mix of graceful strokeplay and unwavering control — proved to be the match-turner.
Former skipper Joe Root contributed a composed 65, offering support in the middle overs. Later, Harry Brook and Jonny Bairstow calmly guided England past the finish line, ensuring no dramatic twists in the final act.