The third Take a look at of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Lord’s bought off to a gripping begin, however not within the explosive method many had anticipated. After being battered by India in Birmingham, England arrived in London seeking to regroup. Nonetheless, what adopted on Day 1 was a whole departure from their high-octane Bazball philosophy. As a substitute, they adopted a conservative technique, enjoying out the day with restraint and warning—a transfer that caught many, together with India skipper Shubman Gill, unexpectedly.
England press pause on Bazball as circumstances dictate warning
Identified for his or her aggressive and fearless batting beneath the Stokes-McCullum regime, England surprised followers and critics alike by placing the brakes on their pure fashion. The Lord’s floor, providing early motion and uneven bounce, compelled the hosts to bat with persistence fairly than aptitude.
Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett—sometimes identified for attacking the brand new ball—had been content material to go away deliveries and rotate strike. Their opening stand was gradual and regular, and had been quickly dismissed as England reached 75/2 by Lunch, the bottom first-innings session complete at residence because the Bazball period started. The run price hovered round 2.9 by means of the second session, marking England’s second-slowest scoring session at residence since 2022.
Additionally WATCH: Mohammed Siraj mocks defensive Joe Root with Bazball jibe on Day 1 of Lord’s Test
Shubman Gill take a dig at England for ditching bazball fashion of play
As England continued to bat with warning, India’s captain Gill didn’t miss an opportunity to voice his ideas. His stump-mic remark through the second session shortly went viral. Gill took a cheeky dig at England’s sudden shift from their aggressive Bazball method to a way more conservative fashion of play. He was caught saying: “No extra entertaining cricket, laads. Welcome again to boring Take a look at cricket, boys.”
The playful jab, directed at Joe Root and Ollie Pope, highlighted how far England had strayed from their regular method. Earlier within the day, pacer Mohammed Siraj additionally urged Root to “play Bazball,” underlining India’s consciousness of the shift in England’s recreation plan.
Right here’s the video:
#ShubmanGill, with essentially the most sarcastic sledge of the season kyunki ye seekhne nahi, sikhane aaye hain 😎
“Welcome to Boring Take a look at Cricket.” 🫢💭
Who mentioned Take a look at matches aren’t spicy? 🔥#ENGvIND 👉 third TEST, DAY 1 | LIVE NOW on JioHotstar ➡ https://t.co/H1YUOckUwK pic.twitter.com/U7fEy4HXpR
— Star Sports activities (@StarSportsIndia) July 10, 2025
In the meantime, by stumps, England had reached 224/4, with Root unbeaten on 99 and Ben Stokes holding agency on the different finish. The duo’s partnership steadied the innings after a mid-session droop, establishing an intriguing Day 2 at Lord’s.
Additionally WATCH: ENG vs IND – Ravindra Jadeja playfully challenges Joe Root on 99, daring him to take the run