London, July 10 (UNI) England recovered strongly from an early double blow on the opening day of the third Test at Lord’s, riding on a resolute and stylish partnership between Joe Root and Ollie Pope to reach 153 for 2 at tea today.
After England captain Ben Stokes chose to bat first on a slightly trimmed Lord’s pitch, openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett got off to a steady start, taking the hosts to 39/0 by the first drinks break in 13 overs. Duckett played fluently, showcasing timing with a flowing straight drive off Jasprit Bumrah and a flick down leg off Akash Deep. Crawley capitalised on a loose over from Akash Deep, striking four boundaries with a mix of elegance and fortune.
India turned the tide with the introduction of Nitish Reddy, who struck twice in the 14th over. He first removed Duckett for 23 with a short ball gloved to Rishabh Pant and then dismissed Crawley for 18 with a delivery that seamed just enough to find the edge. The double strike left England at 41/2.
Joe Root and Ollie Pope, however, arrested the slide with a calm and determined third-wicket stand. The duo batted through the entire second session, blending watchful defence with exquisite strokeplay, guiding England to 100 in 35.4 overs. Dhruv Jurel replaced Pant behind the stumps from the 34th over onwards.
Root, who had a relatively quiet series so far, looked in control. He reached his half-century off 102 balls with a fine flick to fine leg off Reddy, soaking in applause from the spectators. He had earlier played a gorgeous back cut off Reddy that sped past gully and also pierced the leg-side field multiple times with deft placements off Siraj and Deep.
Pope, too, gradually grew in confidence. He flicked a rare Bumrah misfire through square leg, then unleashed a crisp pull off Akash Deep behind square and brought up the century stand in the 47th over with a gentle tickle off his hips for four. The pair congratulated each other with a handshake, having added 100 runs off 193 balls.
By tea, England had posted 153 for 2 in 49 overs, with Root unbeaten on 54 and Pope on 44. Their unbroken 112-run partnership steadied the innings and kept England in control after Reddy’s early burst had tilted the balance towards India.
