LONDON — Joe Root produced a masterclass in Test match batting, guiding England to a hard-fought 251-4 on the opening day of the third Test against India at Lord's. The former captain remained unbeaten on 99, showcasing his trademark composure and technique against a disciplined Indian bowling attack.
Root's innings was the backbone of England's effort after they were asked to bat first on a green-tinged pitch offering assistance to the seamers. His partnership of 142 with Jonny Bairstow (51) steadied the innings following early wickets, before Ollie Pope (32*) joined him in an unbroken 56-run stand to close the day.
Root's Resolute Response
Facing his 100th Test on English soil, Root demonstrated why he remains England's premier batsman in the longest format. "It was proper Test match batting today," said Root after play. "The pitch had enough in it to keep the bowlers interested all day, so you had to earn every run."
The Yorkshireman's innings was characterized by:
- Precise footwork against both pace and spin
- Judicious shot selection, leaving well outside off stump
- Clinical punishment of anything loose, particularly through his favored square cut
- Only two false shots in 179 deliveries faced
India's Bowling Efforts
The Indian attack, led by Mohammed Shami (2-45) and Jasprit Bumrah (1-40), maintained pressure throughout the day but couldn't break Root's resistance. Shami struck early to remove both openers, while Bumrah produced a fiery spell after lunch that accounted for Bairstow.
Captain Rohit Sharma praised his bowlers' effort: "We created enough chances to have them five or six down. The pitch flattened out as the day went on, but I thought we bowled in good areas for most parts. Root played exceptionally well - that's why he's one of the best."
Key Moments
- 10.4 overs: Shami traps Zak Crawley lbw for 15 with an inswinger
- 12.3 overs: Ben Duckett edges Shami to second slip for 19
- Afternoon session: Root-Bairstow partnership absorbs pressure before accelerating
- 62.1 overs: Bumrah castles Bairstow with a 90mph yorker
- Final hour: Root-Pope partnership sees England through to stumps
Tactical Battles
The day featured intriguing duels, particularly when Ravindra Jadeja (0-38) bowled his left-arm spin into the rough outside Root's off stump. The batsman countered by using his feet expertly, hitting three boundaries in one over to shift momentum. "That was probably the turning point," noted Sky Sports commentator Nasser Hussain. "Root showed his class by not letting Jadeja settle into a rhythm."
India's decision not to select Ravi Ashwin on a dry-looking pitch raised eyebrows, but Sharma defended the move: "With the overhead conditions and grass cover, we backed our four seamers to do the job. The pitch might take more spin later in the game."
Looking Ahead
With Root one short of his 31st Test century and Pope looking assured, England will aim to push towards 350 on day two. The morning session could prove pivotal - England's last seven wickets fell for just 43 runs in their previous innings at Headingley.
As Root reflected on his unfinished innings: "It's been a satisfying day but the job's only half done. We need to capitalize tomorrow morning - if we can get through that new ball, there are runs out there. I'm just disappointed not to get three figures today, but hopefully I can put that right first thing." Cricket fans worldwide will be eager to see if the master can complete his century and steer England into a commanding position in this crucial Test match.