NEW DELHI: India’s seamers made early inroads as debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy picked up two key wickets in the opening session of the third Test at Lord’s, leaving England at 83/2 at lunch on Day 1.
England Opt to Bat First on Green Lord’s Pitch
Winning the toss under partly overcast skies, England captain Ben Stokes elected to bat first. The pitch had a visible grass cover, offering assistance to the seamers. India’s fast bowlers responded with relentless discipline, keeping the scoring rate in check and building pressure from both ends.
Nitish Kumar Reddy Makes an Impact Early
India’s 21-year-old pacer Nitish Kumar Reddy, playing just his third Test, broke through in the 12th over. He had Zak Crawley caught behind for 18 with a delivery that shaped away late. Four overs later, Reddy produced a peach that nipped back in to clean bowl Ben Duckett for 23, giving India the upper hand.
His pre-lunch spell read: 6-2-15-2, reflecting sharp swing and control on a helpful surface.
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Root and Pope Steady the Innings
With England reduced to 42/2, Joe Root and Ollie Pope took charge, adopting a watchful approach. The experienced pair added an unbeaten 41-run partnership, guiding England to lunch without further damage.
- Joe Root: 24* (34 balls, 3 fours)
- Ollie Pope: 12* (34 balls, 2 fours)
Bumrah, Siraj, Akash Deep Keep Things Tight
While Reddy took the wickets, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep maintained tight lines and generated movement throughout. Bumrah especially beat the bat multiple times but remained wicketless in his five-over opening spell.
The Indian bowlers conceded just 6 extras in the first session, reflecting a disciplined performance.
Jofra Archer Returns for England
Another headline from the morning session was the long-awaited return of Jofra Archer to Test cricket. Playing his first Test since 2021, Archer’s comeback was met with loud cheers from the Lord’s crowd as England named him in their XI for the decider.
Session Summary – Lunch, Day 1
- England: 83/2 in 25 overs
- Run Rate: 3.32
- Fall of Wickets:
- 1-30 (Crawley, 11.2 ov)
- 2-42 (Duckett, 15.4 ov)
- Top Performers:
- Nitish Kumar Reddy – 2/15 (6 overs)
- Joe Root – 24*
- Ollie Pope – 12*
What to Expect Post-Lunch
India will look to maintain pressure with the ball and target breakthroughs against England’s middle order. The pitch continues to offer seam movement, and with overcast conditions lingering, it could be a critical second session.
England, meanwhile, will hope Root and Pope can dig in and guide them toward a respectable first-innings total.
