 "Joe Root and Ben Stokes scored an unbeaten 79 runs between them. Image: Reuters")
India’s bowlers were right on the money on Day 1 of the third Test at Lord’s , holding England to just 251/4 in 83 overs. This is England’s lowest total in a full day’s play in the Bazball era (2022-present) when they haven’t been bowled out. The scoring rate of 3.02 was also their second slowest in the same period (with 50+ overs), only behind the 2.69 they managed in Ranchi in 2024.
England’s batting today was unlike their usual Bazball approach
According to Cricbuzz, England’s attacking shot percentage dropped to just 29.4 percent, a big dip from their Bazball-era average of 44.7 percent. They focused more on rotating the strike today, with 30.6 percent of their shots aimed at picking singles and doubles, nearly double their usual rate of 16.6 percent. Meanwhile, the number of balls they didn’t play went from 7.8 percent to 12.2 percent.
Joe Root ended the day with an unbeaten 99, while captain Ben Stokes played a patient knock of 39 not out. Nitish Kumar Reddy impressed with two early wickets in the opening session by removing both openers - Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett. However, Root-led fightback ensured a wicketless post-lunch session, where England managed to put the pressure back on India.
After the tea break, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja chipped in too with a wicket each, dismissing Harry Brook and Ollie Pope respectively. The rest of the bowlers kept things tight, especially Washington Sundar, who gave away just 21 runs in his 10 overs. Bumrah, as usual, finished with the best economy among India bowlers as he bowled at 1.94. India will hope to secure some early wickets tomorrow to regain the upper hand.