India vs England, 3rd Test Highlights, Day 1: Test cricket delivered yet another gripping day at the iconic Lord’s as Joe Root’s calm and calculated unbeaten 99 guided England to 251/4 at stumps against India on Day 1 of the third Test. After England captain Ben Stokes chose to bat first, India’s bowlers made early inroads, but Root’s experience held the innings together, setting up an exciting second day in this five-match Test series.
England’s Confident Start Before India’s Fightback
England openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley provided a cautious yet effective start, adding 39 runs without loss in the first hour. Duckett looked solid with his 23, while Crawley’s 18 ensured England weathered the initial storm from India’s pace attack, which included the returning Jasprit Bumrah alongside Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep.
The Lord’s slope, known for testing bowlers’ discipline, came into play as India’s seamers adjusted their lines, trying to extract movement under overcast conditions. Bumrah switched ends frequently in the morning session, testing the England openers with probing spells.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Breakthrough Over Turns the Tide
Just when England seemed set for a strong platform, India all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy made a sensational impact, picking up two quick wickets in a single over before lunch. Duckett gloved a short ball down the leg side to Rishabh Pant, while Crawley edged a beautiful delivery that moved away off the seam, leaving England at 83/2 heading into lunch.
Reddy’s spell energized India and showed the value of attacking options in the middle overs, especially on a pitch offering variable bounce and lateral movement under cloudy skies.
Joe Root’s Masterclass Under Pressure
Post lunch, Joe Root displayed why he remains one of the finest Test batters, constructing his innings with elegant drives, precise footwork, and calm under pressure. Root’s knock was built on patience as he rotated the strike, forcing India’s bowlers to work hard while punishing loose deliveries with his trademark late cuts and flicks through midwicket.
Root found support from Ollie Pope, who made a composed 42 before being dismissed by Akash Deep, and later from Ben Stokes, who contributed a gritty 36 before falling to a sharp delivery from Bumrah. As the day progressed, Root continued to anchor England’s innings, inching closer to his 31st Test century, ending the day unbeaten on 99, much to the delight of the packed Lord’s crowd.
Lord’s Roars Back to Life
Despite concerns about dwindling Test crowds globally, the historic venue saw fans flock in large numbers, with Indian supporters in tricolour jerseys creating a lively atmosphere. The Indian contingent in the stands erupted during every wicket, while England’s fans cheered every Root boundary, embodying the spirit of Test cricket in England.
What to Expect on Day 2
With England at 251/4, the match is perfectly poised. Joe Root will aim to complete his century and push England towards a strong first-innings total. India, meanwhile, will look to exploit the early morning conditions at Lord’s on Day 2, with Bumrah, Siraj, and Reddy keen to pick quick wickets to put England under pressure.
Fans can expect another gripping day of cricket, with conditions likely to aid the bowlers in the first session before the pitch flattens out for batting.