Author: Akshay Published Date: 11 July 2025
It always seems like a timeless tale is being told in cricket at Lord’s, and the first day of the third Test match between England and India was no different. On and off the field, the cricket Mecca witnessed a day filled with intense drama, seasoned patience, and a hint of surprise.
England won the toss and chose to bat as the July sun began to peak over St John’s Wood. It wasn’t a simple beginning. Without wasting any time, India’s quick bowlers shook up the English top order. Newcomer Nitish Kumar Reddy’s energetic movement and Jasprit Bumrah’s incisive line had England under pressure early on, dismissing both openers, Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, in the first hour of play. It appeared that the visitors had taken early control at 53/2.
Then Joe Root came in.
Root approaches an innings in an almost contemplative way. In contrast to Stokes’ power game or Bazball’s flair, Root builds, carves, and digs in with traditional accuracy. His bat turned like a scalpel on a pitch that seemed to flatten after the first session. Root started England’s comeback alongside Ollie Pope, who played a beautiful hand before tumbling to a Jadeja delivery. The ship was steadied and the tide started to turn by a cooperation of 102 runs.
England were in a far better position than they had been in the morning, sitting at 185/3 by the time tea arrived. The cricket gods, however, had other ideas for the day.
A swarm of ladybirds, not rain, interrupted play just as Root was approaching his century, and the innings seemed to be getting into flow. Yes, you read correctly. Players from both teams, including Stokes and Bumrah, stopped and watched in confusion as the insects took over the field in a strange and somewhat humorous scene. Social media exploded, umpires waited, and fans laughed. It appears that Lord’s has added yet another peculiar recollection to its extensive collection of memorable events.
While Ben Stokes, who has had a quiet series thus far, tried to rediscover form, Root drew closer to his milestone as play resumed. However, India wasn’t finished yet. After making a late comeback, Bumrah dismissed Jamie Smith, dropping England to 251/4 by stumps. England is on a fairly solid footing, according to the scoreboard, but what it doesn’t tell you is what made Day 1 so captivating.
There is the injury scare of Rishabh Pant, who left the final session halfway through due to a painful finger. Fortunately, sources indicate that it is not dangerous, but it could have a big effect on India’s plans for Day 2.
Next up is Ben Stokes, who appeared to have a groin issue during a diving attempt. He batted on, but it was obvious that he was uncomfortable. It remains to be seen if it has an impact on his bowling load or his involvement in the days ahead.
However, Joe Root has the largest headline. He is on the verge of one of his most composed hundreds to date at 99 not out. The setting—the Lord’s, where stories are created and remembered—makes it much more poetic.
India will recover as Root gets ready to walk out on Day 2 to finish what looks like an inevitable century. Their bowlers have applied pressure, controlled the run-rate, and seized opportunities when they were needed. As usual, Bumrah took the lead. Jadeja’s tight spells in the middle overs offered the ideal balance, while Reddy’s skill and poise were impressive.
Who knows what the future holds? India may have a difficult time recovering if England can build on their overnight total and beyond 350, particularly if cloudy conditions don’t return. However, if India takes early wickets, a collapse might completely change the course of the match.