England’s batting mainstay delivers a classic innings, surpasses multiple milestones in the 3rd Test

Lord’s, London | July 11, 2025 — Joe Root showcased his timeless class at the Home of Cricket as he scored his 37th Test century during the third Test match against India, steering England into a strong position and breaking several major records in the process.

Root Reaches Another Milestone

Resuming Day 2 on 99 not out, Root calmly reached his century off the first ball of the day, marking his 11th Test ton against India and 37th overall—taking him past Steve Smith and Rahul Dravid in the all-time list of century-makers.

He also became the highest run-scorer at Lord’s, surpassing Graham Gooch’s 2,513 runs, now sitting at 2,526 runs at the iconic ground.

Calm Amid Bazball Chaos

In contrast to England’s aggressive Bazball approach, Root’s innings was a masterclass in patience and control. Coming in under pressure, he absorbed the Indian bowling attack with precise shot selection, steady strike rotation, and quiet determination.
His classical technique and composure at the crease provided much-needed stability to England’s innings when wickets were falling at the other end.

Jadeja’s Playful Moment Goes Viral

As Root waited nervously on 99, Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja faked a fumble, teasing the crowd and delaying Root’s milestone by a moment. The light-hearted incident sparked laughs and applause before Root calmly completed his century next ball.

Root’s Dominance Continues

Root’s consistent success against India, particularly in English conditions, continues to frustrate the visitors. With the series level at 1–1, his innings could be a turning point as England look to take control of the match and the series. His performance underlines why he remains one of the most dependable Test batters of his generation.

Match Still in the Balance

While Root’s century has strengthened England’s position, India’s bowling attack has shown resilience and continues to fight back. As the game progresses into the middle sessions, the outcome remains finely balanced — and it’s still too early to predict which side will come out on top at Lord’s.