<p>Joe Root (99) and Ben Stokes (39) have steadied the ship for four-down England in the ongoing third Test against India at Lord's, London.</p> <p>The pair built a crucial 79-run stand for the fifth wicket, shifting momentum in England's favour, helping their team reach 251/4 at Stumps on Day 1. Ollie Pope contributed a valuable 44-run knock, helping the Three Lions' cause </p> <p>Root (99) remains firm and is just one run away from reaching his century, while India are desperately searching for a breakthrough to stay in the contest. Nitish Reddy led India's bowling effort with two wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja claimed one apiece. </p> <p>Root has now become the 18th player in Test history—and the sixth Englishman—to end a day unbeaten on 99. Interestingly, all 17 batters before him who were stranded on 99 at stumps went on to complete their century the next day.</p> <p><strong>Nitish Reddy Strikes Twice in One Over </strong></p> <p>England were reduced to 44/2 in the Lord’s Test after Nitish Reddy delivered a game-changing over, removing both Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett in quick succession. Duckett was dismissed for 18, while Crawley departed after scoring 23 runs.</p> <p><strong>Bumrah and Jadeja Chip In After Root-Pope Stand</strong></p> <p>Following the early setbacks, Joe Root and Ollie Pope stitched together a solid third-wicket partnership, but their 101-run stand was broken by Ravindra Jadeja, who dismissed Pope for 44 runs.</p> <p>Soon after, Harry Brook fell cheaply for 11, castled by a sharp Jasprit Bumrah delivery that left the batter stunned.</p> <p><strong>Root Nears Century, Stokes Holds Steady</strong></p> <p>Root then combined with Ben Stokes to build another crucial 79-run stand for the fifth wicket, as Indian bowlers struggled for breakthroughs.</p> <p>At stumps on Day 1, Joe Root remained unbeaten on 99, just a run away from notching up his 37th Test century, while Stokes was solid on 39 not out. The stage is now set for an exciting Day 2 as the momentum hangs in the balance at Lord’s.</p>
from IND vs ENG: England Win Toss, Choose To Bat First At Iconic Lord's https://ift.tt/uEnewLX
from IND vs ENG: England Win Toss, Choose To Bat First At Iconic Lord's https://ift.tt/uEnewLX