IND vs ENG 3rd Test Highlights: Root’s 99* Rescues England After Early Collapse
Strategic Toss Call: England Opts to Bat First at Lord’s
IND vs ENG 3rd Test Highlights began with a surprising call from England’s captain Ben Stokes who chose to bat first at Lord’s — a rare move in his aggressive Bazball leadership style. The choice signaled a change in approach after England’s defeat in the second Test, possibly shaken by India’s intensity. Shubman Gill’s leadership and smart field settings showed India’s readiness to adapt and counter England’s style right from the first session.
Nitish Kumar Reddy Strikes Early to Rattle England’s Top Order
A major story of the day was debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy, who proved to be India’s trump card. In a stunning over, he dismissed both openers — Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley — showing skill that belied his inexperience. Duckett fell to a short ball, while Crawley was outdone by seam and slope. Nitish’s control and use of Lord’s famous slope earned him early praise and gave India immediate momentum. IND vs ENG 3rd Test Highlights
Indian Bowlers Apply Chokehold on Bazball Approach
Despite a seemingly flat track and bright sunshine, run-scoring was not easy. India’s disciplined bowling lineup — especially Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj — applied relentless pressure. Akash Deep, still learning the nuances of bowling at Lord’s, was the only one slightly off rhythm. England’s batters looked uncomfortable as stump mics caught Indian fielders taunting, “Where is Bazball?” — a clear sign of England being pushed out of their comfort zone. IND vs ENG 3rd Test Highlights
Slowest Session in Three Years Exposes England’s Struggle
The numbers told the story: England scored only 70 runs in 24 overs in the post-lunch session — their slowest in almost three years. Though wickets didn’t fall during this stretch, India’s grip on the game tightened. Fielders were sharp, constantly cutting off singles and creating pressure. It wasn’t flashy cricket, but it was effective — the kind of performance that wins Test matches over five days. IND vs ENG 3rd Test Highlights
Joe Root’s Masterclass: A Calm Anchor in Turbulent Waters
If England had any hope of ending Day 1 on a respectable note, it was thanks to Joe Root. The former captain batted with grit and composure to end the day unbeaten on 99. He stitched partnerships with Ollie Pope and Ben Stokes, showing great balance in defense and selective aggression. On a tricky surface with low bounce and occasional spin, Root’s technique stood tall. IND vs ENG 3rd Test Highlights
Jadeja and Bumrah Deliver Timely Blows to Break Resistance
Ravindra Jadeja’s consistency finally paid off when he got Ollie Pope caught behind right after tea. Then came a trademark Bumrah moment — a perfect delivery to Harry Brook that uprooted his off stump. In just a few overs, England had slumped from a solid 152/2 to 172/4, and India regained control of the day’s narrative.
Day Ends with Root on 99*: A Day of Patience Over Power
By stumps, England reached 251/4 — a peculiar scoreline in the Bazball era where 300+ is expected on Day 1. But this was not Bazball; this was old-school Test cricket. Root’s unbeaten 99 was a masterclass in patience. India’s bowlers, led by Nitish, Jadeja, and Bumrah, walked off the field satisfied with their disciplined effort and strategy-based dominance. IND vs ENG 3rd Test Highlights
India’s Balanced Bowling Attack Shines Again
India’s biggest strength on Day 1 wasn’t individual brilliance but collective execution. Nitish Kumar Reddy gave them early breakthroughs, Jadeja controlled the middle overs, and Bumrah brought fire late in the day. The absence of reckless bowling spells or fielding lapses showed India’s maturity on overseas soil — a trait often missing in past tours. IND vs ENG 3rd Test Highlights
Fielding and Sledging: Small Things, Big Impact
India’s fielding effort was sharp throughout the day — from saving singles to reacting quickly on edges. Their sledging too had purpose. Lines like “Welcome to boring Test cricket” added psychological pressure on England, signaling that India had not only a plan but the confidence to back it. IND vs ENG 3rd Test Highlights
Pitch Behavior and Day 2 Preview: Momentum with India
The pitch at Lord’s showed signs of wear with variable bounce and some turn. India will aim to wrap up England’s tail quickly on Day 2 and build a strong first-innings lead. England will hope Root can reach his century and Stokes can provide a counterattack. But for now, India holds the edge with their tactical, patient brand of cricket.
📊 Brief Scores: IND vs ENG 3rd Test Highlights
England: 251/4 in 83 overs at stumps
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Joe Root 99*
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Ben Stokes 39*
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Ollie Pope 44
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Nitish Kumar Reddy 2/46
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Ravindra Jadeja 1/48
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Jasprit Bumrah 1/52
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