Joe Root Reflects on 37th Test Ton, Sluggish Lord’s Pitch as India Fights Back on Day 2
Joe Root Reflects on 37th Test Ton, Sluggish Lord’s Pitch as India Fights Back on Day 2
England leads by 242 runs as Root hits century, Archer returns with a wicket, and Rahul-Pant steady India’s innings in third Test at Lord’s
London [UK], July 12: Day two of the third Test between India and England at Lord’s witnessed both tension and triumph as Joe Root notched his 37th Test century, Jofra Archer made a successful return, and India began a gritty recovery through KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. At stumps, India stood at 145/3, trailing England by 242 runs in response to the hosts’ first innings total of 387.
Root Talks Turgid Pitch, Sleepless Night Before Century
Root, who was left stranded on 99 at the end of day one*, went on to score a classy 104 off 199 balls, laced with 10 fours. Speaking to Sky Sports after play, Root described the pitch conditions as “quite slow, quite turgid,” making strokeplay difficult.
“Balls are getting soft quickly, and there is no real pace in the wicket. But there is some lateral movement, so it’s about being pragmatic and understanding where you can score,” said Root.
He admitted to a sleepless night after being left on the cusp of a century.
“I went through every shot I could have played, every mode of dismissal. Then I reminded myself it’s not about me. I was disappointed I couldn’t kick on — it was a nice ball from Bumrah,” he reflected.
Archer’s Roaring Return and England’s Bowling Outlook
England fans were thrilled by the sight of Jofra Archer steaming in once again in whites after four years away from Test cricket. He made an immediate impact, taking 1/22 in 10 overs, including the wicket of Shubman Gill.
“It created a great atmosphere — him running in, bowling 94 mph and taking a wicket in his first over. That’s the sort of player he is,” said Root, expressing joy at his teammate’s comeback.
Looking ahead to Day 3, Root remained optimistic:
“Get six or seven quick wickets. A first-innings lead would be nice. The ball is out of shape, and we’ll hope for one hard enough. You always feel there’s something to work with here at Lord’s.”
Rahul, Pant Steady India’s Response
In India’s reply, KL Rahul once again stood tall, bringing up his second fifty of the series in 97 balls. The innings was especially crucial after early setbacks and the return of Rishabh Pant, who batted despite a finger injury and struck three early boundaries off Shoaib Bashir to show positive intent.
India began their final session at 44/1, and a steady 50-run partnership between Karun Nair (40) and Rahul showed promise before Nair was dismissed by Ben Stokes. Soon after, Chris Woakes dismissed Indian skipper Shubman Gill (16), leaving India at 107/3.
But Rahul and Pant dug in to avoid further damage, ending the day unbeaten on 53 and 19, respectively**.
England’s First Innings Highlights
England’s innings earlier in the day was headlined by:
Joe Root (104)
Brydon Carse (56)
Jasprit Bumrah (5/74) leading the Indian attack
England posted 387, giving themselves a strong platform. However, India’s late resistance ensured that the contest remains finely balanced heading into day three.
With Root’s century, Archer’s inspiring return, and India’s steady response, the third Test at Lord’s is shaping up to be a tense and tactical battle. Day three will be crucial for both sides — England aiming for a hefty lead, and India looking to consolidate and counter.
