In a gripping day of Test cricket at Lord’s, Jasprit Bumrah once again proved why he remains India’s most potent weapon with the red ball. His stunning five-wicket haul dismantled England’s middle and lower order, ensuring India stayed firmly in contention on Day 2 of the third Test. England, who had resumed the day at 302/7, managed to post 387 before being bowled out, largely due to resistance from Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse. But Bumrah’s relentless accuracy and rhythm changed the game’s course, shifting momentum back in India’s favour on a surface that offered little help to pacers.
The day began with high anticipation as Joe Root walked in needing just one run to complete a century. He achieved that milestone with a signature boundary off the very first ball, becoming the anchor England needed. His assured presence at the crease gave England hope of pushing well past 400, but Jasprit Bumrah had other plans.
Bumrah struck early, getting rid of the dangerous Ben Stokes, who nicked behind attempting a booming drive. Then came a peach of a delivery to dismiss Root — full, straight, and just jagging enough to rattle the stumps. Root, who had looked set for a big score, had to walk back for 104. Chris Woakes soon followed, undone by Bumrah’s clever change of pace and seam position. In a spell that lasted just a few overs, Bumrah tore through England’s middle order with remarkable precision.
Jamie Smith and Brydon Carse attempted to steady the ship, putting together a crucial 84-run partnership for the eighth wicket. Smith played confidently, displaying solid temperament and technique under pressure. He notched up his maiden Test fifty, showing that England’s lower middle order could still contribute meaningfully. Carse, on the other hand, took the attack to India with counter-attacking strokeplay, including a six that briefly lifted England’s tempo.
But once Smith edged to second slip off Siraj, the end came quickly. Carse followed soon after, bowled by a sharp in-swinging yorker from Siraj that left the stumps in disarray. Shoaib Bashir added just six before falling, as Bumrah completed his five-for, ending with figures of 5/74 in 27 overs. Mohammed Siraj supported well with 2/85, and Nitish Kumar Reddy chipped in with 2/62, including the vital wicket of Jonny Bairstow on Day 1.
Bumrah’s effort marked his 15th five-wicket haul in Test cricket and was particularly special as it came at Lord’s — the home of cricket. With this performance, he also surpassed Kapil Dev’s record for the most five-wicket hauls away from home by an Indian fast bowler. The delivery that bowled Joe Root will go down as one of the finest seen in recent years — full of pace, seam, and ruthless precision.
England’s final score of 387 was respectable but slightly underwhelming considering they were 298/4 at one point. The hosts missed a golden chance to post a 450+ total that could have put India under significant pressure. Instead, Bumrah’s spell not only cut short their plans but also reignited India’s confidence heading into their batting innings.
India began their reply cautiously. Openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal negotiated the early overs carefully before Jofra Archer found the breakthrough, dismissing Sharma for just 13. KL Rahul and Karun Nair then steadied the innings and took India to 44/1 at tea. Nair was on 18* and Rahul looked composed at 13*. The pitch still offered good batting conditions, but the overcast skies and the slope at Lord’s meant the Indian batters had to remain vigilant.
Brief Scores:
England 387 all out (Joe Root 104, Jamie Smith 51, Brydon Carse 56; Jasprit Bumrah 5/74, Mohammed Siraj 2/85, Nitish Reddy 2/62)
India 44/1 (Karun Nair 18*, KL Rahul 13*; Jofra Archer 1/16)
With India trailing by 343 runs and nine wickets in hand, Day 3 is poised to be crucial. A strong batting performance could shift the game decisively in India’s favour, while England will look to exploit early morning movement to get quick wickets.
Jasprit Bumrah’s heroics have already made this a memorable Test for Indian fans. If the batters can now build a foundation and keep England’s bowlers at bay, the stage could be set for a historic comeback in this crucial Test match at Lord’s.
Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah Retains No.1 Spot in ICC Test Bowling Rankings, Continues Historic Dominance
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