London, July 10, 2025 – England closed Day 1 of the third Test against India at Lord’s on a strong note, reaching 251/4, largely thanks to a masterful unbeaten 99 by Joe Root, who once again proved his class in the longest format.
In a match that has already showcased resilience over flamboyance, Root was the standout figure, leading England’s fightback against a disciplined Indian bowling attack.
Winning the toss under clear skies, Ben Stokes chose to bat first, hoping to take advantage of a bright and dry Test morning. But India had other plans. After a watchful opening hour from the English top order, Nitish Kumar Reddy delivered two crucial breakthroughs post drinks, reducing England to 44/2 and tilting momentum in India’s favour. The ball moved off the seam on a dry yet tacky surface, and with moisture aiding uneven bounce, England’s batters were kept under constant pressure.
As the ball softened, the pitch slowed, offering little to the seamers. However, India still maintained tight control, mixing spin and pace to throttle run flow. During a sluggish second session—just 70 runs in 24 overs—Root and Ollie Pope dug in deep. Root’s calm temperament under pressure was on full display, soaking up deliveries with quiet authority. His latest innings saw him cross 3000 Test runs against India, a staggering milestone in an already illustrious career.
Though Pope fell shortly after tea and Harry Brook departed cheaply to a gem from Bumrah, Root stood tall. With a gritty Ben Stokes, who appeared to be nursing a groin injury, Root rebuilt the innings. The pair compiled a crucial 79-run partnership as the sun dipped behind the Pavilion. Their efforts ensured England took the final session—an unusually slow-paced one for the so-called Bazball era.
The second new ball, taken just 2.5 overs before stumps, adds intrigue for Day 2 of this enthralling Test. With Root one short of a century and the ball fresh, the morning session promises fireworks. Will Root convert his 99 into another iconic Test hundred? Will India seize early momentum?
As the third Test progresses, one thing is clear—Joe Root remains England’s beating heart in red-ball cricket.