IND vs ENG 2021, 2nd Test Day 3 Report: Joe Root Scores 180* As England Get 27-Run Lead

Joe Root batted through day 3 of the Lord’s Test and scored 180* as England were bowled out for 391. England took a slender lead of 27 runs as Mohammed Shami dismissed James Anderson in the final delivery of the day to bring an end to the England innings. There are two days of cricket left with a result very possible in the remaining time. More about the third day’s play in the report below.

England resumed the day on 119 for 3 and did not lose a wicket in the first session of the day. Root and Jonny Bairstow (57) made the Indian bowlers tire as the hosts reached 216/3 at Lunch. The Root-Bairstow stand made the Indian bowlers tire in the first session.

Joe Root Gets Past 9000 Test Runs

Rejuvenated in the second session, the duo carried on before Mohammed Siraj dismissed Bairstow. Root then formed two key partnerships with Jos Buttler (23) and Moeen Ali (27) to take England close to India’s total. In the process, Root scored his seventh Test ton against India. He has already scored over 1000 Test runs in the calendar year.

In a good spell of bowling, Ishant dismissed Buttler, Moeen and Sam Curran to bring India back in the game. India took five wickets in the final session of the day’s play with Ishant taking three wickets, Siraj four and Shami two in the innings.

Joe Root surpassed a few milestones along the way as he scored an unbeaten 180. He went past 9000 Test runs and score his seventh Test century against India in the process. He also became England’s second-highest run-getter in Tests after Sir Alastair Cook.

Indian bowlers bowled well in phases with their slip catching and ground fielding improving. Jasprit Bumrah bowled 13 no balls many of which came in the final session of the day. He was the only pacer who did not get any wicket in the day’s play.

There are still two days of cricket left with India starting with their second innings on Sunday morning. India have won just two Test matches at Lord’s, the last of which came in 2014. They will be doing everything possible from their end to take a lead in the series.