Cricket
IND vs ENG: Root Anchors England After Wobbly Start on Day 1 at Lord’s
Ray Sportz Web Desk: Joe Root stood tall with a commanding unbeaten 99 as England recovered from an uncertain start to reach 251 for 4 at stumps on Day 1 of the third Test against India at Lord’s.
Opting to bat first, England lost openers Zak Crawley (18) and Ben Duckett (23) early, both falling to debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy who impressed with his discipline and movement. Ollie Pope added 44 before edging to slip, leaving England teetering at 136 for 3.
Root, however, showcased his trademark composure, forming a crucial 79-run partnership with skipper Ben Stokes, who battled through a groin niggle to remain unbeaten on 39. India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, maintained tight lines but were unable to break the Root-Stokes stand late in the day.
Adding to the day’s drama, play was interrupted by an unusual swarm of ladybirds and flying ants, forcing temporary halts.
England will look to press on past 350 on Day 2, while India will aim for quick breakthroughs on a pitch offering slow turn and uneven bounce.