Joe Root (99) and Ben Stokes (39) have steadied the ship for four-down England in the ongoing third Test against India at Lord’s, London.
The pair built a crucial 79-run stand for the fifth wicket, shifting momentum in England’s favour, helping their team reach 251/4 at Stumps on Day 1. Ollie Pope contributed a valuable 44-run knock, helping the Three Lions’ cause
Root (99) remains firm and is just one run away from reaching his century, while India are desperately searching for a breakthrough to stay in the contest. Nitish Reddy led India’s bowling effort with two wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja claimed one apiece.
Root has now become the 18th player in Test history—and the sixth Englishman—to end a day unbeaten on 99. Interestingly, all 17 batters before him who were stranded on 99 at stumps went on to complete their century the next day.
Nitish Reddy Strikes Twice in One Over
England were reduced to 44/2 in the Lord’s Test after Nitish Reddy delivered a game-changing over, removing both Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett in quick succession. Duckett was dismissed for 18, while Crawley departed after scoring 23 runs.
Bumrah and Jadeja Chip In After Root-Pope Stand
Following the early setbacks, Joe Root and Ollie Pope stitched together a solid third-wicket partnership, but their 101-run stand was broken by Ravindra Jadeja, who dismissed Pope for 44 runs.
Soon after, Harry Brook fell cheaply for 11, castled by a sharp Jasprit Bumrah delivery that left the batter stunned.
Root Nears Century, Stokes Holds Steady
Root then combined with Ben Stokes to build another crucial 79-run stand for the fifth wicket, as Indian bowlers struggled for breakthroughs.
At stumps on Day 1, Joe Root remained unbeaten on 99, just a run away from notching up his 37th Test century, while Stokes was solid on 39 not out. The stage is now set for an exciting Day 2 as the momentum hangs in the balance at Lord’s.
