India rode on Jasprit Bumrah's sensational fifer to bundle out England for 387 on Day 2 of the third Test being played at the iconic Lord's cricket stadium on July 11.
Root started the Day 2 on a stunning note as he took no time to complete his century. However, soon after his century, Jasprit Bumrah came back to make Root his bunny again and Root had to walk back to the hut at 104. Root's wicket was preceded by the dismissals of Ben Stokes (44) and Chris Woakes (0). However, Jamie Smith (51) and Brydon Carse (56) formed a 84-run partnership to rally England from a precarious 271 to 355 before Mohammed Siraj got the better of wicketkeeper-batter. England tail then added 32 more runs before getting folded for 387.
England resumed their innings from Day 1's overnight score of 251/4 where Joe Root was left stranded on 99. Root continued his masterful innings, converting his overnight score into a well-deserved 37th Test century early in the morning. He anchored the innings with his characteristic fluency and control. Jamie Smith maintained his impressive form, providing valuable support in the middle order. Later in the innings, lower-order batsman Brydon Carse displayed remarkable resilience, contributing a crucial 56 runs off 83 deliveries, which helped England reach a more respectable total.
Earlier in the innings, captain Ben Stokes and Ollie Pope both made useful contributions of 44 runs each. While neither batsman could convert their solid starts into substantial scores, their respective partnerships were instrumental in helping England recover from early pressure and solidify their position during the initial stages of their innings. Despite a scoring rate that was somewhat measured, England steadily approached the 400-run mark, a milestone that had appeared unlikely at one point.
The undisputed standout performer with the ball for India was their premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah. He delivered a masterclass in seam bowling, ultimately claiming a remarkable five-wicket haul. This was his 13th five-wicket haul in Test matches played outside of India, highlighting his exceptional skills in overseas conditions. Bumrah's sensational spell in the first hour of the morning session proved to be a game-changing moment, as he dismissed key English batsmen, including Stokes, Root, and the all-rounder Chris Woakes (0), in quick succession.
Stokes was dismissed by a sharp delivery from Bumrah that seamed back sharply, uprooting his off stump. Shortly thereafter, Root, who had just reached his century, inadvertently edged a Bumrah delivery onto his own stumps. Woakes fell on the very next ball, edging behind to the wicketkeeper. Although the on-field umpire initially remained unmoved, India reviewed the decision successfully, leading to Woakes' dismissal. Bumrah returned in the second session to finish off Jofra Archer with a searing yorker, completing his well-deserved five-wicket haul.
While Bumrah's bowling brilliance was the highlight, the rest of the Indian bowling unit provided solid support. Young pacer Nitish Kumar Reddy impressed with his control and discipline, picking up two crucial wickets. Mohammed Siraj also contributed with two wickets, playing a key role in wrapping up the England tail after they threatened to extend their total further. Left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja played a crucial holding role for the majority of the innings and managed to claim one wicket as well.