IND vs ENG Highlights: Joe Root’s 99* Powers England to 251/4 at Stumps
The IND vs ENG Highlights from Day 1 of the third Test at Lord’s delivered a masterclass in Test batting as Joe Root remained unbeaten on 99, guiding England to 251/4 at stumps after early Indian breakthroughs threatened to derail the innings. On a historic ground and under high-stakes pressure, Root showcased resilience, experience, and elegance to keep England in a commanding position.
Toss Drama: Stokes Opts to Bat, Gill Admits Confusion
The day began with Ben Stokes winning the toss and surprisingly choosing to bat first. This decision raised eyebrows, especially since this was just the second instance since the Stokes-McCullum era began that England opted to bat first in a Test. IND vs ENG Highlights
India’s stand-in captain Shubman Gill, leading in place of Rohit Sharma, admitted post-toss:
“I was confused what to do till this morning. I would have bowled first. If there’s anything in the wicket, it’s going to be on the first few days.”
Archer Returns, Bumrah Back in XI
This Test marks the return of Jofra Archer to Test cricket after a four-year hiatus due to persistent elbow and back injuries. For India, Jasprit Bumrah made a comeback in place of Prasidh Krishna.
Despite anticipation for Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion following Edgbaston, he once again missed out.
First Session: Siraj Strikes Early, England in Trouble
The Indian pacers, especially Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, began with great intensity. Siraj removed Ben Duckett cheaply, and Bumrah soon got rid of Ollie Pope, leaving England at 46/2. IND vs ENG Highlights
However, Zak Crawley counter-attacked, hitting some crisp boundaries and putting the pressure back on the Indian bowlers. IND vs ENG Highlights
Root Leads the Charge: Classy, Calm, and Calculated
After Crawley was dismissed for a well-made 60, it was Joe Root who took full responsibility for anchoring the innings. He formed vital partnerships, especially with Harry Brook, to slowly build a foundation for England.
Root’s innings was a blend of soft hands, late cuts, and crisp drives — classic Test batting at its best.
He brought up his 50 in 94 balls, showing both patience and control. As India looked to break through, Root held firm, frustrating the bowlers. IND vs ENG Highlights
By stumps, he was unbeaten on 99 off 194 balls, agonizingly close to a Lord’s hundred. IND vs ENG Highlights
Indian Bowlers Toiled, But Couldn’t Crack Root
India’s bowling was disciplined but lacked bite once the ball softened. Bumrah bowled economically, while Akash Deep and Washington Sundar couldn’t trouble Root much. Ravindra Jadeja got good turn late in the day, but Root defended with composure. IND vs ENG Highlights
Despite occasional plays and misses, Root seemed unflustered, outclassing every challenge thrown at him.
Day 1 Scorecard at Stumps: IND vs ENG Highlights
England: 251/4 (90 overs)
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Joe Root – 99* (194 balls)
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Harry Brook – 42 (68 balls)
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Zak Crawley – 60 (85 balls)
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Mohammed Siraj – 2/56
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Jasprit Bumrah – 1/43
Reaction and What’s Next
Joe Root was calm in his post-day chat:
“It’s always special batting at Lord’s. I didn’t plan on being 99*, but I’ll take it. Still a lot of cricket left in this match.”
India will look to break through early on Day 2 and expose England’s lower order before the second new ball loses its shine. IND vs ENG Highlights
Match Context: Series Locked 1-1
This third Test is vital, as both teams are tied at 1-1. England won the first Test at Headingley by 5 wickets, while India bounced back with a 336-run thumping at Edgbaston. This match at Lord’s could tilt the momentum decisively. IND vs ENG Highlights
Playing XIs:
England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir
India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj
🔍 Final Verdict
The IND vs ENG Highlights from Day 1 were dominated by Joe Root’s composure and mastery at the crease. His 99* has set the tone for a classic Test encounter at the Home of Cricket, and Day 2 promises further drama. IND vs ENG Highlights
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