Day 1 of the 3rd Test between India and England at Lord’s had everything fans could hope for—classic cricket, emotional moments, heated drama, and unexpected mind games. While the day saw some fine performances from both sides, one incident involving joe root and Ravindra Jadeja stole the limelight and set social media abuzz.
As expected from a high-stakes Test match at one of the most iconic venues in the cricketing world, the battle between bat and ball was intense. But what happened when joe root stood at 99, waiting for his century, became the most talked-about moment of the day.
India’s Bowlers Start Strong
India, coming off a strong showing in the previous Test, stuck to a disciplined bowling approach after losing the toss. Jasprit Bumrah led the attack with his trademark precision, troubling the English openers with swing and bounce under cloudy skies.
Mukesh Kumar, who was given a longer spell this time around, extracted some seam movement and rewarded his captain’s trust with the important wicket of Ben Duckett. England’s top order struggled initially, losing quick wickets before stabilizing under pressure.
Joe Root Anchors the English Innings
Amidst the early troubles, it was joe root who played the anchoring role for England. Walking in at a precarious position, Root showed his class and calmness, expertly guiding the innings and rotating the strike to build key partnerships.
His footwork against spin, especially against Jadeja, was elegant, and his balance against pace ensured that India never fully dominated. As the Lord’s crowd cheered every run, Root’s innings gathered momentum, and he inched closer to what looked like a well-deserved century.
The Incident on 99: Jadeja’s Cheeky Bluff
Then came the drama that took over headlines. With joe root standing on 99, waiting for that one magical run, Ravindra Jadeja decided to play mind games. On what looked like a regulation delivery, Root pushed the ball and began running. Jadeja approached the ball, but in a moment of theatrics, pretended to fumble it, holding back the throw.
The crowd held its breath, unsure if Root would attempt the run. Sensing hesitation and some uncertainty, Root stopped halfway, eventually returning to the crease safely. But the moment sparked reactions. Spectators at Lord’s started booing Jadeja, interpreting the gesture as unsportsmanlike behavior.
Commentators debated whether it was gamesmanship or just cheeky banter. What’s undeniable is that the incident created an emotional charge around Root’s century, making it even more dramatic.
Root Finally Reaches His Century
Despite the temporary interruption, joe root eventually got to his hundred. The applause that followed was thunderous. Root raised his bat, looked to the sky, and smiled—a typical Root celebration, humble yet powerful.
It was his 32nd Test century and one that came under challenging conditions. His ability to absorb pressure and remain focused, even amid distractions, showcased why he is still England’s most dependable batter in the longest format.
India’s Fielding Holds Firm
While the Root-Jadeja moment stole the show, India’s overall fielding effort was disciplined. There were no major drops or lapses, and the outfielding from Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal was sharp.
India also used their bowlers tactically. Bumrah bowled short spells to maintain intensity, and Jadeja was brought on at key moments. Ravichandran Ashwin, included for the first time in the series, was economical but didn’t find much turn on Day 1.
England’s Middle Order Supports Root
While Root’s century was the highlight, support from Jonny Bairstow and Ollie Pope helped England post a respectable first-innings score by stumps. Bairstow played an aggressive knock, hitting boundaries to relieve pressure, while Pope dug in to play a patient hand.
Together, they ensured that England didn’t collapse after the top order’s early failures. Their contributions kept the Indian bowlers working hard and ensured Root had partners to rotate strike with.
Day 2 Outlook
As the teams head into Day 2, England will look to build on their momentum, aiming for a first-innings total of over 350. India, on the other hand, will hope to wrap up the tail quickly and begin their batting innings with minimal damage.
All eyes will again be on the contest between Root and Jadeja, now layered with drama. Whether it remains friendly banter or evolves into something more serious, fans will be watching closely.
