The third Test between England and India at Lord’s began under bright London skies on July 10, 2025, with the series tantalizingly poised at 1-1 after two high-scoring contests. Englandhaving won the toss, opted to bat first on a surface expected to reward patient batting. The opening day saw Joe Root’s masterful unbeaten 99 guide the hosts to 251/4 by stumps, with Ben Stokes providing steady support. As Day 2 unfolded, the narrative shifted dramatically, with Jasprit bumrah’s bowling brilliance and a late English resurgence ensuring the contest hung delicately in the balance at stumps, India trailing by 242 runs at 145/3.

Jasprit Bumrah’s five-star spell gets India back on track against England on Day 2

The morning session belonged to Bumrah, who delivered a spell that will be remembered for its precision and relentless pressure. England’s overnight pair, Root and Stokes, resumed with intent, but Bumrah’s probing lines soon altered the script. He first breached Stokes defenses, bowling the centurion for a vital 104, before dismantling the stumps of Root and Harry Brook in quick succession. Bumrah’s hallmark—late movement and subtle changes of pace—proved too much for the English middle order, as he finished with 5 wickets for 74 runs in 27 overs, including the scalps of Chris Woakes and Jofra Archer to wrap up the tail.

England’s innings, which at one point looked set for a total well above 400, was pegged back by Bumrah’s incisive bursts. Only Root’s century and valuable contributions from Jamie Smith (51) and Brydon Carse (56) ensured the hosts reached a competitive 387. The Indian pacer’s performance was a clinic in adaptability, using the Lord’s slope and the Dukes ball to devastating effect, and reaffirming his status as one of the world’s premier Test bowlers.

KL Rahul’s crisis management and England’s late charge puts Lord’s Test on a knife’s edge

India’s reply began shakily, losing Yashasvi jaiswal early to a sharp Archer delivery. However, Kl satisfied and Karun nair steadied the ship, putting together a crucial 61-run partnership. Nair, fluent through the off-side, compiled a brisk 40 before Stokes broke the stand with a clever piece of bowling. Shubman Gillleading the side, fell cheaply to Chris Woakesleaving India at 107/3 and England sensing an opening.

Despite the setbacks, Rahul’s composure under pressure stood out. He reached a patient half-century, anchoring the innings alongside Rishabh pantwho played a typically positive hand late in the day. Yet, England’s bowlers, led by Archer and Stokes, maintained relentless discipline, exploiting the conditions and a lively seam. The late wickets ensured the visitors could not run away with the session, leaving India at 145/3 at stumps, still trailing by 242 runs.

Also WATCH: Jofra Archer marks fiery comeback with a beauty to dismiss Yashasvi Jaiswal on Day 2 of Lord’s Test

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