Joe Root Stars with 99 as England Finish Day One Strong in Lord’s Third Test

The opening day of the eagerly anticipated India vs England third Test at Lord’s belonged to England’s stalwart batsman Joe Root, who narrowly missed out on a landmark 37th Test century, finishing unbeaten on 99. By stumps, England stood at a commanding 251/4, with captain Ben Stokes at the other end, contributing 39 runs*.

The hosts looked to counter India’s premium pace attack, which managed a disciplined bowling rate of 3.02 runs per over, hardly allowing England’s aggressive batting lineup to dominate.

Joe Root Nears 37th Test Hundred

Joe Root was once again at the heart of England’s revival, exhibiting his classic mix of patience and timing. His innings lacked flamboyance but was rich in substance—just one run shy of another Test milestone.

Root steadied the innings after early wickets, showcasing why he is considered England’s crisis solver. With patience and grit, he edged back into form, batting through challenging spells while building partnerships.

Day One Highlights: Key Performances

Indian Bowlers Apply Pressure

India’s pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj managed strong line and length early on, but breakthroughs came thanks to Nitish Reddy, who struck twice before lunch to remove openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley in the same over. His removal signaled a brief shift in momentum.

After lunch and despite a resilient Root at the crease, Ravindra Jadeja snapped Ollie Pope on the first ball after tea, hauling India back into contention. Soon after, Bumrah knocked over Harry Brook, restoring some balance.

Bumrah, who previously had an impressive five-wicket haul at Headingley in the first Test, managed to get Brook caught behind, finishing his late-afternoon application well.

Root-Pope Rise: A 109-Run Rescue

Root and Pope built a crucial 109-run partnership, stabilizing England’s innings from what looked like early trouble. Operating at a run rate of just 3.02 due to disciplined bowling, the duo’s calm, measured play thwarted India’s early dominance.

Their stand shifted the game’s momentum, easing pressure and allowing England to take control going into Day Two.

Injury Blow for India: Rishabh Pant Hurt

India’s batting prowess was overshadowed by a worrying development: wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant sustained a finger injury while taking a catch off one of Bumrah’s deliveries.

Pant bravely tried to continue but eventually had to retire hurt. Deputy keeper Dhruv Jurel took over, and reports indicate it’s a nail injury rather than a fracture. Pant underwent ice therapy, but his staying power for the second day remains uncertain.

Statistical Milestones and Match Context

• Joe Root is now just one run away from his 37th Test century, which would surpass Rahul Dravid’s 36 and place him fifth in all-time Test centuries—behind Sachin Tendulkar (51), Jacques Kallis (45), Ricky Ponting (41), and Kumar Sangakkara (38).

• Root also became the first England batsman to exceed 3,000 runs against India in Test cricket, and his innings took him past 7,000 runs at home grounds.

• India’s run control (3.02 rpo) all day highlighted a successful strategy to contain England’s typically aggressive batting.

Player and Expert Commentary

Media observers and former players highlighted Root’s innings as quintessential Lord’s play: composed against pace, careful against spin, drawing from experience in pressure situations.

Former England legend Nasser Hussain noted that Root “didn’t need to hit the covers; just stayed in, let the scoreboard tick and dismantled India’s early advances.”

Indian fans and analysts praised Reddy’s dual removal early on, terming it a major development, though concerns lingered over Pant’s fitness and his ability to continue behind the stumps.

What Lies Ahead: Day Two Preview

• Will Root convert his 99 into a monumental century? This will be a key narrative on Day Two.

• Can Stokes and Root form another crucial partnership to push England toward a strong first-innings total?

• From India’s side, can Bumrah bounce back with a quick breakthrough, and how will Pant’s absence or presence influence the fielding side?

Day One at Lord’s set the stage for what promises to be a gripping series. England’s batting depth, exemplified by a near-century from Root and support from Stokes, balances India’s well-disciplined bowling.

Root’s chance to secure his 37th Test hundred adds additional intrigue for cricket enthusiasts. Meanwhile, India will need sharper execution in its bowling and a watchful eye on Pant’s fitness.

Stay with KKNLive.com for comprehensive Day Two coverage, exclusive player interviews, expert tact analysis, and more India vs England Test insights.