The Lord’s Cricket Ground, bathed in summer sunshine, witnessed a masterclass from Joe Root on Day 1 of the third Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. With the series tied at 1-1, England’s former captain played a splendid unbeaten 99, steering his team to a commanding 251/4 in 83 overs against a disciplined Indian bowling attack. Joe Root’s gritty innings, blending patience and precision, not only silenced India’s early charge but also set the stage for England to dominate the match. As stumps were drawn, Root stood one run shy of his 37th Test century, leaving fans on the edge of their seats for Day 2.
Root’s knock was a testament to his enduring class, as he became the first batter to score 3,000 Test runs against India, averaging a staggering 58. His performance was a departure from England’s aggressive “Bazball” philosophy, with Root opting for old-school Test cricket to anchor the innings. Alongside captain Ben Stokes, who battled a groin niggle to remain unbeaten on 39, Root’s resilience ensured England ended the day in the ascendancy, defying early setbacks and a probing Indian attack led by debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Joe Root’s Redemption: A Steady Hand Under Pressure
England’s decision to bat first after winning the toss seemed promising, but India’s Nitish Kumar Reddy struck twice in the 14th over, dismissing openers Zak Crawley (18) and Ben Duckett (23) in quick succession, leaving England at 44/2.
Enter Joe Root, the calm amidst the storm. Walking in under pressure, he immediately set about stabilizing the innings with Ollie Pope. Their 109-run third-wicket partnership was a masterclass in restraint, as Root curbed his attacking instincts, hitting just nine boundaries in his 191-ball vigil. His ability to rotate the strike and wear down India’s bowlers, particularly Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, who bowled 29 consecutive dot balls, was pivotal.
Joe Root’s half-century, his 67th in Tests, came with a flicked boundary off Siraj, celebrated with a understated raise of the bat to a roaring Lord’s crowd. Despite a dropped catch by Shubman Gill off Pope’s first ball, Root remained unflappable, guiding England to 153/2 at tea.
Post-tea, when Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Pope (44) and Bumrah castled Harry Brook (11), Root stood firm, stitching an unbroken 79-run stand with Stokes. His knock was not just about runs but about soaking up pressure, as he faced India’s relentless bowling with a monk-like focus, leaving England in a strong position.
Setting the Tone for Day 2
As the day closed, Root’s unbeaten 99 had England dreaming of a big total. His partnership with Stokes, who played through discomfort, ensured no further wickets fell despite India taking the second new ball. Root’s ability to adapt to a placid pitch, which offered little after lunch, was praised by Ollie Pope, who told Sky Sports, “Joe’s work ethic and the way he goes about his cricket is inspirational.” The bizarre interruption by a swarm of ladybirds only added to the day’s drama, but Root’s composure remained unshaken.
Looking ahead, Root will aim to convert his 99 into a century, potentially his eighth at Lord’s, tying Steven Smith’s record for Test hundreds against India. With England at 251/4, they are poised to push for 350-plus, especially if Root and Stokes continue their defiance. India, however, will rely on Bumrah (1/35) and Jadeja (1/26) to strike early, with the pitch showing signs of turn. Root’s splendid knock has given England the edge, but the battle is far from over in this enthralling Test.
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