Here’s the thing: England chose to bat first in the 3rd Test at Lord’s. India’s bowlers answered with discipline. England stumbled early but left Day 1 with a solid platform at 251 for 4 in 83 overs. Joe Root and Ben Stokes steadied the ship. Let’s break it down.

England First Innings

  • Zak Crawley c Rishabh Pant b Nitish Kumar Reddy — 18 (43 balls, 4x4)
  • Ben Duckett c Rishabh Pant b Nitish Kumar Reddy — 23 (40, 3x4)
  • Ollie Pope c sub Dhruv Jurel b Ravindra Jadeja — 44 (104, 4x4)
  • Joe Root — 99* (191, 9x4)
  • Ben Stokes — 39* (102)

England ended the day with Joe Root stranded on 99, and Stokes at 39,* carrying a lingering groin concern that might impact England’s bowling later

India’s Bowling Response

India cut openings early. Nitish Kumar Reddy grabbed both Crawley and Duckett in a fiery spell. His movement off the seam earned him praise. Jadeja then broke the rising partnership of Root and Pope by catching Pope. Bumrah wrapped things up, dismissing Harry Brook for 11 and keeping tight control with 1/35 . Siraj and Akash Deep tied things down without wickets but kept England under pressure

Key Moments from the Day

  • England had a shaky start—two early wickets to effective seam bowling from Nitish Reddy.
  • Root and Pope steadied the innings with a cautious partnership.
  • The pace slowed mid-session, signalling a departure from England’s usual aggressive >
  • Root and Stokes added a vital 79-run unbeaten partnership.
  • Play paused briefly when a swarm of ladybirds descended on the Lord’s pitch.
  • Rishabh Pant suffered a finger injury leading to Dhruv Jurel keeping wickets in his place

✅ What This Means Going Forward

England holds a position. Four wickets down, 251 runs on the board—and the key players still at the crease. They’ll look to build on that foundation tomorrow.

Root is one run away from a century. If he resumes fresh tomorrow morning, he could anchor the innings deep into Day 2.

Stokes’ fitness matters. Whether he recovers for bowling spells will affect England’s second innings balance.

Pitch plays slow. India’s bowlers adapted smartly. Expect similar discipline tomorrow if early wickets come.

India need early breakthroughs. Take Root or Stokes early, and they can rattle England’s lower order.

📌 Where to Follow Live Insights & Odds

For live scorecards, ball-by-ball updates, and latest odds throughout the match, check out CricketBettingTips.org. They track session momentum—and offer smart satta tips based on live game flow.

Final Word

England sets the stage at 251/4. Day 2 hinges on Root’s conversion and Stokes’ recovery. India will aim to regroup and strike early. The Test is balanced. All eyes now shift to what unfolds tomorrow—momentum, wickets, and who grabs the initiative.

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