England Strike First, India Fight Back

 England Strike First, India Fight Back on Day 2 of the 3rd Test at Lord’s



The 3rd Test match between England and India at Lord’s continued to unfold dramatically on Day 2, with both teams exchanging blows in this crucial encounter of the five-match Test series. After dominating Day 1, England resumed their innings looking to build a formidable first-innings total but were eventually bowled out for 387. India, in reply, showed resistance through KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, closing the day at 145 for 3, still trailing by 242 runs.




The day began with Joe Root converting his overnight score into a magnificent century. He played a patient yet classy innings of 104 runs off 199 balls, striking 10 boundaries. Root’s century was his 30th in Test cricket, further solidifying his place among modern batting greats. England also benefitted from an aggressive knock by Brydon Carse, who scored 56 runs off 83 balls, including 6 fours. Jamie Smith added a brisk 51 off 56 balls, hitting 6 boundaries before falling to Mohammed Siraj. Ben Stokes contributed 44 from 110 balls in a solid captain’s innings. However, India fought back through Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional spell, claiming five wickets for 74 runs in 27.3 overs. Siraj chipped in with 2 wickets, Nitish Kumar Reddy took 2, and Ravindra Jadeja picked up 1 to wrap up England’s innings at 387 in 112.3 overs.


➡️ To watch full match highlights, key moments, and Root’s classy century from Day 2 of the 3rd Test at Lord’s, click the link below. Don’t miss the crucial moments from this closely contested Test series.


In response, India’s innings started shakily. Yashasvi Jaiswal fell early for just 13 runs from 8 balls, caught behind by Jamie Smith off Jofra Archer’s sharp delivery. Karun Nair, playing his comeback Test, steadied the innings with a composed 40 from 62 balls, striking 4 boundaries before falling to Ben Stokes, caught in the slips by Root. Shubman Gill also failed to convert his start, scoring 16 off 44 deliveries before edging one to Jamie Smith off Chris Woakes. The standout for India was KL Rahul, who ended the day unbeaten on 53 from 113 balls, featuring 5 boundaries and holding the Indian innings together alongside Rishabh Pant, who is not out on 19 from 33 balls. India closed Day 2 at 145 for 3 after 43 overs, still trailing by 242 runs.


Batting Highlights of the Day

England’s innings revolved around Joe Root, who anchored the batting with his 104 off 199 deliveries. Jamie Smith provided a brisk middle-order counterpunch, smashing 51 runs from 56 balls, while Brydon Carse contributed a vital 56 from 83 balls, showing his all-round potential. Ben Stokes played the supporting role perfectly, making 44 from 110 balls, helping England cross the 350-run mark. Other contributions were modest, as the lower order could not extend the innings much further against Bumrah’s inspired bowling.

For India, KL Rahul stood tall with an unbeaten 53 from 113 balls, guiding the innings through difficult periods. He found support in Karun Nair, whose 40 from 62 balls included some elegant strokes, and Rishabh Pant, who is set to play a key role on Super Sunday.


Bowling Performances of the Day

Jasprit Bumrah led India’s attack superbly, finishing with figures of 27.3 overs, 5 maidens, 74 runs, and 5 wickets—his 11th career five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Mohammed Siraj supported him well, taking 2 wickets for 68 runs in 20 overs. Nitish Kumar Reddy claimed 2 wickets for 58 runs from 18 overs, providing crucial breakthroughs, while Jadeja finished with 1 wicket for 49 runs in 20 overs.

England’s bowlers started strong in India’s innings. Jofra Archer removed the dangerous Yashasvi Jaiswal early, ending with figures of 10 overs, 3 maidens, 22 runs, and 1 wicket. Ben Stokes dismissed Karun Nair during a fiery spell, finishing with 6 overs, no maidens, 27 runs, and 1 wicket. Chris Woakes maintained control with figures of 13 overs, 1 maiden, 56 runs, and 1 wicket, removing Shubman Gill at a crucial time.



Milestones of the Day

  • Joe Root scored his 30th Test century and crossed 9,200 career Test runs, adding another chapter to his legendary career.

  • Brydon Carse registered his maiden Test half-century, scoring 56, showcasing his growing all-rounder credentials.

  • Jamie Smith scored his Test fifty in just a handful of matches, highlighting his potential in the middle order.

  • Jasprit Bumrah took his 11th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, further cementing his place among modern great fast bowlers.

  • KL Rahul’s unbeaten 53 marked his 18th Test half-century, a key knock keeping India in the contest.


What Ahead on Super Sunday

Super Sunday at Lord’s promises to be a pivotal day in this Test match. India will resume their first innings at 145 for 3, still trailing England by 242 runs. KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant will aim to rebuild and close the gap to avoid a huge first-innings deficit. England’s bowlers, led by Archer, Woakes, and Stokes, will try to strike early and enforce their dominance.

If India can bat well through the morning session, they may shift the pressure back onto England. However, a collapse could see the match slip rapidly from their hands. With the series tied 1-1, Super Sunday could be the defining day of this thrilling five-match battle.


Series Summary

This is the 3rd Test in the ongoing 5-match series, currently level at 1-1.

  • England won the 1st Test convincingly.

  • India bounced back in the 2nd Test.

  • Now, the momentum is shifting once again as this Test hangs in the balance.


Day 2 Win Probability

  • England: 60%

  • India: 20%

  • Draw: 20%


TO Watch Full Highlights of England vs India the links are below 



English Commentary 







Hindi Commentary





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