Joe Root’s masterclass leads England fightback on day 1 at Lord’s

• Reddy shines on debut, Bumrah being economical as always: Pant faces injury concerns

The day-one proceedings at Lord’s of the third Test were characterized by drama, a batting display by Joe Root, fiery yet unlucky debut of Nitish Kumar Reddy from India, and unforeseen injuries to both teams. England ended the day well placed at 251 for 4 with Root not out on 99 and captain Ben Stokes supporting him on 39 not out.

First session: India strikes early after England opt to bat

• Under gloomy skies, England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bat first, hoping to make full use of what was expected to be a dry surface conducive for batting. But India had other ideas.

Making his debut, 21-year-old Andhra all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy made a decisive impact. In an inspired spell of seam bowling, he took out both openers—Zak Crawley (18) and Ben Duckett (23)—within the same over. Crawley edged one to second slip, and Duckett was gunned down leg-before as late movement squared him up.

India’s senior new-ball bowler Jasprit Bumrah, bowling with utmost control both in terms of line and length, was a constant threat to the English batsmen, inviting false strokes from most. He seized his reward with the prize wicket of Harry Brook (22) just before lunch, who edged a well-pitched delivery to second slip.

• Session Score: 67/3 (27 overs)

Second Session: Root and Pope rebuild with composure

Post-lunch, the experienced duo of Joe Root and Ollie Pope brought calm to England’s innings. Playing with soft hands and judicious footwork, they stitched together a crucial 86-run partnership that frustrated the Indian attack. Root, in particular, showcased his classical elegance—driving through the covers, pulling with control, and rotating the strike efficiently.

It was a shrewd piece of bowling from Ravindra Jadeja that dismissed Pope shortly before tea, as he went behind for 44. Rishabh Pant attempted to keep after injuring his finger in the first session before going off and being replaced by Dhruv Jurel later that day.

• Session Score: 93/1 in 31 overs
• Tea Score: 160/4

Third Session: Root near century

With England positioned at 172/4, Ben Stokes joined Root at the Crease and absorbed pressure. The pair added an unbroken 79-run stand for the fifth wicket, ensuring there were no further setbacks for the home side. Root inched towards his 30th Test century with a well-paced knock, ending the day on 99 off 191 balls, studded with 9 fours.

Root was well on his way to a well-paced knock that would get him to his 30th Test century and ended the day with 99 runs off 191 deliveries, including 9 fours. Stokes must have flown the flag for England’s.

In the meanwhile, discomfort troubled Stokes and was at times even seen limping. Yet he didn’t become a spendthrift as he stayed at crease and finished without losing his wicket on 39 (91 balls), allowing other team members to see through the day without taking more losses.

• Session Score: 91/0 (32 overs)
• Day 1 Finishes: England 251/4 in 90 overs

Key Moments & Talking Points:

Nitish Reddy’s Dream Debut

The young Indian all-rounder was India’s standout performer with the ball, finishing with figures of 2/46 in 15 overs. His consistent pace and ability to move the ball troubled England’s top order and gave India early breakthroughs.

Root’s Timeless Brilliance

Joe Root’s near century was a lesson in temperament and technique. Unflustered by wickets falling around him, he anchored the innings and rotated the strike with poise. This innings, if completed with a hundred, could well go down as one of his finest at Lord’s.

Injury Alarms

• Rishabh Pant suffered a finger injury during the first session and was temporarily replaced behind the stumps. Team India’s management confirmed that Pant is being assessed and a further update will be shared before Day 2.

• Ben Stokes, too, was seen limping in the final session, raising concerns about a possible groin strain. His participation in the bowling department may be in doubt for the remainder of the match.

Unusual Interruption: Ladybird Invasion

A brief, bizarre halt to play occurred in the second session as a swarm of ladybirds and flying ants invaded the field. Both players and umpires looked visibly perturbed before play resumed a few minutes later.

What to Expect on Day 2

With Root on the verge of smashing another 100, Stokes looking settled England willl aim for 400 plus score. On the other hand, India will hope for early wickets with the second new ball just 10 overs old. Much will depend on Burmah’s ability to extract movement and whether Reddy can continue his impressive debut.

Don’t miss Day 2 at Lord’s — will Joe Root raise his bat for a Lord’s century, or will India’s bowlers script a fiery comeback? The stage is set, the tension is rising — who will take control, India or England?