Day-long clash at Lord's, stuck on Route 99; India restricted England's innings to 251/4

Table of Contents

India vs England, 3rd Test (Lord’s) – Complete Day 1 Summary

As part of the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy 2024–25, the third Test between India and England commenced on July 10 at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. England dominated the first day, ending their first innings at 251/4. Veteran batsman Joe Root remained unbeaten on 99, while captain Ben Stokes was at 39* at stumps.

England’s Steady Start

Having won the toss and elected to bat first, England got off to a composed start. Openers Ben Duckett (23) and Zak Crawley (18) added 43 runs for the first wicket. However, in his debut Test, Nitish Kumar Reddy struck twice, dismissing both openers to deliver India crucial early breakthroughs. This was a memorable introduction for Reddy.

Middle Order Builds Momentum

For the third wicket, Ollie Pope and Joe Root stitched together a vital 85-run stand. Pope contributed 44 runs before being caught behind off Ravindra Jadeja after facing 104 deliveries. Soon after, Root and Harry Brook took charge, but Brook (11) was bowled by Jasprit Bumrah.

Joe Root’s Classical Innings

Root showcased impeccable technique and patience, anchoring England’s innings. He faced 191 balls for an unbeaten 99, finishing the day at the crease. His innings included nine boundaries. Notably, Root became the first batsman to amass 3,000 Test runs against India, and this knock marked his 103rd fifty-plus score in his career.

Captain Stokes’ Patient Knock

England’s captain, Ben Stokes—who had been out of form recently—played a composed innings. He scored 39 runs off 102 deliveries and partnered with Root for an 85-run stand, helping solidify England’s position on Day 1.

India’s Bowling – A Mixed Bag

Nitish Kumar Reddy put in an excellent performance, capturing two pivotal wickets and emerging as India’s standout bowler. He dismissed Crawley and Duckett in the same over, unsettling England’s top order. His spell was particularly effective on Lord’s damp, slow-turning pitches.

Jasprit Bumrah also made a notable comeback, taking one wicket and delivering economical bowling to restrict England’s run rate. He bowled two overs with the new ball, keeping Root in check with pace and swing.

Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Ollie Pope (44) caught behind, exploiting the slow pitch conditions.

Although Mohammad Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav bowled with good line and length, they couldn’t claim wickets. Siraj maintained a disciplined pace, while Kuldeep attempted to make breakthroughs through spin, but the English batsmen stood firm.

Overall, India’s bowling attack showed good balance—pace bowlers provided early support, while spinners and experienced players held control in the middle overs. If they can sustain this and take wickets early on Day 2, India’s chances of a comeback will remain strong.

On‑field Highlights

A peculiar incident occurred when a swarm of ladybirds (a type of beetle) invaded the field, forcing a temporary halt in play. The event went viral on social media.

Additionally, India’s wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant suffered a finger injury while fielding, prompting substitute keeper Dhruv Jurel to take charge behind the stumps—an issue that may concern Team India.

Teams and Playing XI

India’s Playing XI:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (vice-captain/wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Dhruv Jurel (stand‑in keeper).

England’s Playing XI:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jonny Bairstow (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, James Anderson, Mark Wood, Tom Hartley.

What Day 1 Indicates

England ended Day 1 in a strong position, yet India’s bowling attack showed enough resistance to stay in contention. Day 2 will hinge on whether India can break the Root–Stokes partnership early. Early breakthroughs might tilt momentum back in India’s favor.