Root 37th Test Century Headlines England’s Recovery at Lord’s
Joe Root scripted another unforgettable innings at Lord’s as he notched up his 37th Test century during Day 2 of the third Test between India and England in the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy. His knock helped England recover after a Jasprit Bumrah blitz early in the morning session. Root, who surpassed the likes of Rahul Dravid and Steve Smith on the all-time Test century list, scored a composed 104 and was the centerpiece of England’s 353/7 at lunch.
Bumrah’s Morning Spell Shakes England
India, resuming the day at 251/4, hoped to quickly wrap up England’s innings. Jasprit Bumrah answered the call with a fiery spell that rattled the English middle-order. He sent Ben Stokes back early for just 44. The England skipper misjudged a delivery that jagged back and crashed into his off stump.
Next up, Bumrah claimed the prized scalp of Joe Root. Root, who had just completed his 37th Test century with a stylish boundary, tried to play a late drive but inside-edged onto his stumps. It was a moment of pure relief for India and vindication for Bumrah, who had been patiently building pressure all morning.
Bumrah wasn’t done yet. On the very next delivery, he dismissed Chris Woakes for a golden duck, who chased a wide delivery and got a faint edge to Dhruv Jurel. Within minutes, England had slumped from a dominant 251/4 to 271/7.
Root Goes Past Dravid, Smith on the All-Time List
Joe Root’s 104 was more than just another hundred. It was a historic moment. He now stands alone as the fifth-highest century-maker in Test cricket history, surpassing Rahul Dravid and Steve Smith, both of whom had 36 centuries.
Root’s legacy continues to grow, and with age on his side at 34, he’s within reach of legends like Kumar Sangakkara (38), Ricky Ponting (41), Jacques Kallis (45), and Sachin Tendulkar (51). His innings was a masterclass in patience, footwork, and shot selection.
Root Equals Most Test Centuries Against India
With this knock, Root also joined Steve Smith as the batter with the most Test hundreds (11) against India. His ability to grind out runs against the Indian attack has been a consistent feature of his career. Especially at home, Root has often stood tall against world-class bowling line-ups. Root 37th Test Century
Three Consecutive Centuries at Lord’s – Root Joins Legends
Root’s Lord’s dominance continued as he became only the third English batter to score three consecutive centuries at this iconic venue. Michael Vaughan (2004-05) and Sir Jack Hobbs (1912-1926) are the only others to have achieved this. Root 37th Test Century
Root also now holds the record for the most centuries at Lord’s — eight in total — surpassing Indian legend Dilip Vengsarkar’s record. His connection with the “Home of Cricket” is becoming increasingly mythical.
Bumrah Has the Last Laugh
While Root achieved several personal milestones, Bumrah eventually had the final say. The Indian pacer, who rested during the Edgbaston Test, showed why he’s still India’s most potent weapon overseas. His spell of 4/61 was a reward for his relentless accuracy and aggression. Root 37th Test Century
The dismissal of Root, bowled through the gate with a ball that seamed back in, was the standout moment of the morning. It also ensured that India remained in the contest despite England’s fightback.
Jamie Smith Sparks England’s Counter-Attack
With England reeling at 271/7, it was Jamie Smith who once again donned the rescuer’s cape. The young keeper-batter, who starred in the previous Test with 184* and 88, played a brisk innings and turned the tide.
Smith scored a 53-ball fifty and combined with Brydon Carse in an unbroken 82-run stand. Carse supported brilliantly with 33*, and their partnership ensured England went to lunch with momentum back in their favour. Their aggressive yet calculated approach frustrated the Indian bowlers. Root 37th Test Century
Tendulkar’s 51 Still the Gold Standard
Despite Root’s ascent, Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 51 Test centuries remains unmatched. The ‘Master Blaster’ continues to be the benchmark in red-ball cricket. But Root’s form, consistency, and adaptability mean he could potentially challenge that mark in the future. Root 37th Test Century
England’s Middle-Order Resilience on Display
Root and Smith’s performances once again underlined England’s depth in the middle and lower order. Even when India seemed to gain control with Bumrah’s strikes, the hosts fought back. Their anti-Bazball approach — a patient, grind-it-out innings — was well-suited to the Lord’s pitch, which offered variable bounce and movement.
India, despite Bumrah’s brilliance, would be disappointed at letting England off the hook. With the pitch offering help to bowlers, an opportunity was missed to bowl England out under 300. Root 37th Test Century
India’s Bowling Summary
Jasprit Bumrah was the star with 4 wickets, but the support cast — Nitish Kumar Reddy (2/46) and Jadeja (1/57) — played their parts too. Akash Deep and Siraj went wicketless, and India will hope for a better showing when play resumes. Root 37th Test Century
Score Summary at Lunch – Day 2
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England: 353/7 in 97 overs
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Joe Root: 104 (199 balls, 10×4)
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Jamie Smith: 51* (53 balls)
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Brydon Carse: 33* (45 balls)
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Jasprit Bumrah: 4/61
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Nitish Kumar Reddy: 2/46
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Ravindra Jadeja: 1/57
What Lies Ahead
India will aim to take the remaining three wickets quickly and avoid chasing a 400+ total. KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal will have their task cut out with the bat. The pitch has started misbehaving, and scoring won’t be easy. Root 37th Test Century
For England, converting this platform into a lead and then attacking with the ball will be the priority. The rest of Day 2 could decide the match — and maybe even the series.
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