The Eng vs India 3rd Test 2025 began with a surprising twist. England, the pioneers of Bazball, chose patience over aggression. Under gloomy London skies, Joe Root stood firm, finishing the day unbeaten on 99. If you expected “Bazball,” you were likely disappointed. But if you love Test cricket’s raw battles, this was pure drama.
India’s seamers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, kept England in check. The hosts crawled at just 3.02 runs per over, their slowest full day in the Bazball era. Yet, by stumps, they were 251/4, with Root one run away from a century. The battle was tense, with high stakes. Let us take you through the day’s key moments.
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England’s Unusual Approach in Eng vs India Test
From the first ball, something felt different. England, usually fearless, played with rare caution. The Lord’s pitch was slow, and India’s bowlers exploited it perfectly. Bumrah’s return added bite to the attack, and England’s openers struggled.
Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, usually aggressive, looked uncomfortable. Duckett took body blows, while Crawley chased wide deliveries. Then came Nitish Kumar Reddy, India’s surprise weapon. His first over changed the game.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Double Strike
Reddy, wicketless in Birmingham, struck gold at Lord’s. His first ball was a harmless short ball, but Duckett miscued a pull, edging to Rishabh Pant. Two balls later, Crawley fell to a beauty, a late outswinger that kissed his edge.
Just like that, England were 44/2. The crowd fell silent. Reddy, the young seamer, had announced himself in the England vs India Test series 2025.
Root and Pope’s Rescue Partnership
With England in trouble, Joe Root walked in. He knew this wasn’t a day for flair. Alongside Ollie Pope, he dug deep. The pair batted through a tense second session, adding 70 runs without taking risks.
India’s bowlers tested them with wide lines, but Root was patient. He avoided Bumrah, taking singles to keep Pope on strike. The crowd grew restless. Where was the Bazball they loved?
Then, after tea, Jadeja struck. Pope edged to Dhruv Jurel, who replaced the injured Pant. Pope slammed his bat in frustration; he had thrown it away.
Bumrah vs Brook: A Brief Duel
Harry Brook, the ICC’s top-ranked batter, faced Bumrah, the world’s best bowler. The battle lasted just five balls. Bumrah’s inswinger shattered Brook’s stumps. The Lord’s crowd gasped. India was back in the game.
But Root stood firm. He found an ally in Ben Stokes, though the skipper battled a groin injury. Stokes winced in pain but refused to leave. Together, they added 79 runs in 170 balls, steadying England’s ship.
Root’s Nervous 99*: The Final Over Drama
As shadows lengthened, Root neared his century. The crowd rose, chanting his name. One boundary would do it.
The last over arrived. Root clipped a two, then took a single. He stayed on 99*. The umpires called stumps. Root walked off, his face a mix of pride and frustration.
History favors him; the last 16 batters who slept on 99 reached their hundred the next morning. Can he do it too?
Key Takeaways from Day 1 of Eng vs India 3rd Test 2025
- England’s Rare Patience – Bazball took a backseat as Root anchored the innings.
- India’s Bowling Discipline – Bumrah and Reddy kept the pressure on.
- Injury Concerns – Stokes’ groin and Pant’s finger could impact the game.
- The Century Wait – Root’s 99* sets up an exciting Day 2.
What’s Next in the Eng vs India Test Series 2025?
Day 2 promises more drama. Root will eye his century, while India will hunt quick wickets. If England crosses 350, they’ll feel in control. But if India strikes early, the match could turn.
One thing’s certain: this Eng vs India 3rd Test 2025 is far from boring. It’s a battle of wills, a test of skill. And we can’t wait to see what happens next.
Last Word
Cricket isn’t just about sixes and strike rates. Days like these remind us why Test matches are special. Root’s grit, Reddy’s breakthroughs, and India’s fightback, this is the Eng vs India Test at its finest.
Who will win? Stay tuned. The story’s just beginning.
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My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
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