July 10, 2025
A gripping start to the third Test at Lord’s saw a strong showing from both sides in a match that may define the series.
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| INDIA VS ENGLAND TEST MATCH |
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A day of disciplined bowling met with steely batting. England’s foundation is solid, but India has kept it tight. With the series finely poised, Day 2 could set the true tone of this Test.
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| India vs England – 3rd Test |
England, fresh off a Bazball win, opted for caution today—choosing to bat first on a slow Lord’s pitch. Rohit Sharma’s India, seizing the toss, handed the choice to Stokes, who chose a more patient batting approach
Nitish Kumar Reddy delivered a masterstroke, dismissing both openers in the same over and reducing England to 44/2. Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja later chipped in with further breakthroughs
Their composure under pressure was the highlight of Day 1:
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Joe Root anchored the innings with a painstaking 99* off 191 balls.
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Ben Stokes matched the grit with 39* off 102 balls—despite nursing a possible groin issue
Injury Watch
Two injury concerns emerged:
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Ben Stokes showed signs of discomfort, which could impact England’s momentum.
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Rishabh Pant exited with a finger injury, with Dhruv Jurel stepping in behind the stumps
Playing Conditions: Slow and Steady
The pitch played slow and dry, demanding patience and precision—a far cry from the rapid scoring of recent Tests. Both sides emphasized discipline; even the tempo of the game felt deliberate.
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Play was disrupted by unexpected swarms of ladybugs, momentarily halting concentration.
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India’s wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant exited mid-play with a finger injury, with Dhruv Jurel stepping in—a concern for India’s line-up stability.
What Lies Ahead for Day 2
| Factor | India’s Outlook | England’s Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Momentum | Early breakthroughs give India a chance to dominate morning session | Root & Stokes’ form could anchor England’s resistance |
| Key Players | Can Reddy strike again? Bumrah & Jadeja need to keep pushing | Will Stokes’ injury hamper his role? Root needs that elusive ton |
| Pressure Handling | Riding on disciplined structure | Must maintain composure despite early setbacks |
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Quick FAQs
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Why did Stokes choose to bat first?
He preferred caution on a pitch offering more to fast bowlers early on, rather than his usual attacking approach. How impactful was Reddy’s performance? Extremely—his two quick wickets put England on the back foot within the opening hour.
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Did Root miss a century?
Yes—he remained not out on 99 at stumps, a tough miss emotionally and strategically. -
Is Stokes injured?
He was visibly struggling with discomfort—possibly a groin issue—which could influence England’s decisions going forward. The Times of India -
What was the atmosphere like?
The day was slow and intense. Patience reigned supreme, overshadowing explosive intent. -
How serious is Pant’s injury?
Significant enough for him to leave the field and raise questions about his availability in coming sessions.
Final Thoughts
Day 1 at Lord’s was a masterclass in tension. India’s early control through Reddy and disciplined bowling set the tone, while England’s pair of Root and Stokes showcased grit and resilience to avoid collapse. Now, as Day 2 looms, both teams must recalibrate: India chasing breakthroughs, England aiming to build momentum and protect a fragile platform.
Would you like me to expand this with player quotes, post-match analysis, or deeper tactical breakdowns? Flip through Day 2? Just say the word!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) –
A1. England won the toss and opted to bat first, taking a more patient approach instead of their usual “Bazball” attacking style.
Q2. Who were the key performers on Day 1?
A2.
India: Nitish Kumar Reddy struck early with two wickets in one over; Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja added crucial breakthroughs.
England: Joe Root (99* off 191 balls) and Ben Stokes (39* off 102 balls) held firm with a gritty partnership.
Q3. Did Joe Root score a century?
A3. No, he was left unbeaten on 99 at stumps, agonizingly short of his hundred.
Q4. Were there any injury concerns during the match?
A4. Yes, two major concerns:
Ben Stokes appeared to struggle with a possible groin injury.
Rishabh Pant injured his finger and left the field, with Dhruv Jurel stepping in as wicketkeeper.
Q5. What were the playing conditions like at Lord’s?
A5. The pitch was slow and dry, favoring disciplined bowling and patient batting. Play was briefly disrupted by swarms of ladybugs on the field.
Q6. How impactful was Nitish Kumar Reddy’s performance?
A6. Very impactful—his two quick wickets in one over reduced England to 44/2, shifting early momentum India’s way.
Q7. Why did Stokes choose to bat first despite conditions favoring bowlers?
A7. He opted for caution, aiming to set a foundation on a tricky pitch instead of chasing runs under pressure later.
Q8. What can we expect on Day 2?
A8.
India: Will look to capitalize on early breakthroughs with Bumrah, Jadeja, and Reddy.
England: Will rely on Root to convert his 99* into a big score, while monitoring Stokes’ fitness.
Q9. What was the atmosphere of Day 1 like?
A9. It was a slow, tense, and disciplined day of cricket—patience and strategy dominated over explosive batting.
Q10. How crucial is Pant’s injury for India?
A10. It’s concerning—his absence behind the stumps could affect India’s stability if the injury keeps him out for longer.