Joe Root scores his 37th Test century to lead England’s fightback after Jasprit Bumrah’s triple strike in the India vs England Test match. A gripping battle unfolds — full match updates and highlights.

India vs England: Root Slams 37th Test Century as Hosts Recover After Bumrah’s Treble Strike

Day 2 Drama at Lord’s

On 11 July 2025, the second day of the third Test at Lord’s delivered enthralling cricket drama. Overnight leader Joe Root started on 99* and immediately converted to his 37th Test century with a boundary off Jasprit Bumrah on the very first ball—securing a spot among the top five century-makers in history The surge came as England resumed at 302/3, poised to build on their overnight advantage.

Shortly after—as if to downplay the batting brilliance—Bumrah reeled off a ferocious burst, claiming five wickets at Lord’s. His first three strikes dismantled England’s middle order: Ben Stokes (44), Root (104), and Chris Woakes (0), collapsing the hosts to 271/7 within half an hour.

Root’s Milestone: A Moment for the Ages

The first-ball boundary set the tone for Root’s century, celebrated with a roaring ovation at the home of cricket. On reaching three figures, he also marked his 211th outfield catch, surpassing Rahul Dravid as the most prolific fielder in Test cricket.

Reflecting on the moment, commentators emphasized Root’s place among elite names like Tendulkar, Dravid, and Smith—he comfortably joined the all-time top five in Test centuries .

Bumrah’s Fiery Spell

Bumrah’s rip-through was one of the day’s most eye-catching sequences. His five-wicket haul (5/74) was the first at Lord’s, punctuated by swift top-order threats. Root, Stokes, and Woakes fell to lethal deliveries, sending England into early jeopardy.

His feat earned further respect, as pundits acknowledged his adaptability on a slow, “spongey” pitch. His precision showcased his standing as India’s premier quick-bowling asset.

England’s Response: Lower-Order Heroics

Facing 271/7, England seemed on the back foot. Yet Jamie Smith (51*) and Brydon Carse (56) stitched an impressive 82-run partnership, stabilizing the innings and taking England to 353–7 at lunch.

Their unbroken stand persisted beyond lunch, helping England post a more resilient 387 all out. Smith’s fifty, alongside Carse’s maiden Test fifty, provided a welcome recovery .

Archer’s Thunderbolt Return

The day’s intensity continued when Jofra Archer, making a triumphant return after over four years out of Test cricket, claimed wicket number three in first-class—Yashasvi Jaiswal—with his third delivery.

Archer’s fast-paced spell—clocking around 93 mph—rekindled early excitement and confirmed his enduring threat with the red ball.

India’s Rebuttal: Steady Start

India’s response at stumps stood at 145/3, trailing by 242 runs. KL Rahul anchored the innings with an unbeaten 53, while Rishabh Pant contributed 19 despite playing on a bruised finger.

The dismissal of Shubman Gill (16) by Chris Woakes signaled England’s continued effort to regain control. With Archer and Chris Woakes probing, the tourists managed a patient reply.

Tactical Shifts & Pitch Conditions

Day two saw changing strategies; England dialed back their aggressive “Bazball” style for a measured approach, adapting to a surface that was slow and unusually “spongey” even by Test standards Deccan Herald+5TalkSport+5The Times+5. The slow over-rate drew criticism and interrupted pacing.

Ball changes in mid‑over also disrupted play, adding another twist to the unfolding contest .

Context: Series Tension & Stakes

The series was poised at 1–1 heading into the Lord’s Test, following India’s dominant 336-run win at Edgbaston. Neither side can now rest easy—every run, wicket, and session counts in what could be a series-decider.

India’s ability to respond and England’s resilience, especially with Bumrah’s menacing spell and Archer’s return, frame this match as a potential thriller.

What Lies Ahead

Day three promises intense competition:

• India need a strong partnership early to chip away at the 242-run deficit.
• England will look to press ahead with momentum, hoping to wrap up China’s first innings and extend their lead.
• Bumrah can further exploit his form and the pitch, while Archer’s second spell could threaten any middle-order resistance.

Root’s historic century and catch have already shaped the narrative. How these elements—bowling firepower, batting resilience, and tactical nuance—play out next will decide who walks away with the upper hand.

In summary, Day 2 at Lord’s belonged to Joe Root’s masterclass, Bumrah’s devastating burst, and Archer’s electrifying return. With India quietly rebuilding and England leveraging lower-order resolve, Test cricket has delivered an enthralling contest. The third day could easily swing the momentum—and possibly the series.

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